Iran discusses Hormuz with Oman, Saudi Arabia
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate calls with his Omani and Saudi counterparts, Badr al-Bussaidi and Faisal bin Farhan, to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported.
According to state television, the ministers stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and diplomatic efforts to restore stability and address insecurity in the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention between Tehran and Washington. Disputes over its management have undermined the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. Iran insists on maintaining control of the strait and charging transit fees while keeping Oman involved in its management.
The waterway, through which about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed before the war, has been blocked by Iran since hostilities with the United States resumed in early July.
Dozens of homes demolished across south Lebanon
Israeli bombardments and demolitions continued across southern Lebanon on Monday, with dozens of homes destroyed in nine villages, according to our correspondent in the region.
Early Tuesday, an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade over Mansouri, while artillery shelled the outskirts of Qsair, Deir Siryan, and Qantara. Overnight, Israeli forces also shelled the outskirts of Nabatieh Fawqa and the Ali al-Taher heights, and demolished homes in Haddatha.
Monday evening saw intensified strikes in the Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Sour, and Bint Jbeil districts, including in Qantara, Aitaroun, Markaba, Tallousseh, Kfar Tibnit, Majdal Zoun, and Mansouri.
According to the latest reports, dozens of homes were destroyed in separate operations across nine localities on Monday. Homes and farmland were also set ablaze in two villages, while three others came under artillery fire.
Israeli military says intercepted drone near Jordan border
The Israeli military said it intercepted a drone near the Jordanian border early Tuesday and is investigating where it was launched from.
"The Israeli Air Force recently intercepted a drone in the area of the border with Jordan," the military said on Telegram, adding that the drone "did not enter Israeli territory" and that its origin remains under investigation.
The military said it also intercepted two drones near the border on Monday. Israel, which launched a joint offensive with the United States against Iran on Feb. 28, did not take part in the latest round of clashes in July.
Iraq investigates drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia said Monday it intercepted a drone launched from Iraq, as fighting remained paused in Iran following the war that began Feb. 28 with a U.S.-Israeli attack.
Riyadh blamed the attack on "Iranian-backed terrorist militias," though no group claimed responsibility. After Saudi Arabia urged Baghdad to prevent its territory from being used to launch attacks, the Iraqi government announced an investigation.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said they struck Saudi oil infrastructure in Yanbu with drones. Riyadh and the Houthis resumed hostilities on July 13 after a four-year truce, and the rebels announced July 20 they would block Saudi ships from using the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Trump says Iran talks have 'good chance' of success despite Tehran denial
President Donald Trump said Monday there was "a good chance" talks with Iran would succeed, despite Tehran denying it is negotiating with Washington, on the third day of a pause in hostilities.
"We'll see what happens. I think there's a good chance something will happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that Iran was "talking to us about reaching an agreement," without providing details.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, however, said Tehran is not "currently" engaged "in any negotiations with the United States."
Trump also warned the U.S. could resume bombing Iran if talks fail, while dismissing concerns about potential shortages of U.S. munitions raised in recent New York Times reporting. Hostilities halted Saturday after 15 days of airstrikes, despite a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding reached in mid-June aimed at ending the war.
Washington confirms Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome next week
The United States confirmed that Lebanon and Israel will hold talks in Rome from Aug. 4-6 as part of efforts to establish "pilot zones" with the Lebanese Army.
"In Rome, the technical groups will focus on advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement," a State Department official said on condition of anonymity. Discussions will focus on expanding the "pilot zones," resolving outstanding border issues and advancing a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the talks several days ago.
The agreement reached in June provides for the Lebanese Army's deployment in "pilot zones" evacuated by Israel, which still occupies parts of southern Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament.
First Netanyahu-Trump meeting since Iran war began amid tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday for the first time since the Iran war began five months ago, amid tensions between the two leaders that have since eased.
Talks are expected to focus on regional issues, particularly Iran, as Washington says it wants to give diplomacy another chance after two weeks of unprecedented bombing following the April cease-fire. They are also expected to discuss implementing the U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at ending the state of war, as well as the situation in Gaza, where reconstruction efforts remain stalled.
"The meeting is a great privilege, but also a great responsibility," Netanyahu said before departing Israel on Monday. "We will discuss all issues ... first and foremost Iran, naturally. Our goal is to guarantee our security, but also to broaden the circle of peace around us."
Relations between the two leaders deteriorated sharply in April during negotiations over an initial ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
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Good morning! We are now launching our live coverage of news from the region.
We are now launching our live coverage of news from the Middle East, where tensions continue to escalate amid exchanges of airstrikes between the United States and Iran.
We will also follow the situation in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army continues to occupy approximately 620 square kilometers along the border and conduct airstrikes and demolitions.
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