Houthis claim strikes on Saudi Aramco sites in Jizan and Yanbu

Houthis claim strikes on Saudi Aramco sites in Jizan and Yanbu
Plume of smoke rises after strikes hit Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, 25 July, 2026
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington next week as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.

⦿ 21:27 GMT | UPDATE

Iran protests alleged Ukrainian attack on commercial vessel

Reuters

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, saying an explosion killed one sailor and injured another.

Tehran called the incident an act of aggression, accused Kyiv of seeking to expand the war in Ukraine, and said it would defend its national interests and security. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran was summoned to receive an official protest over the alleged "hostile and criminal" attack.

The condemnation came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of providing Iran with satellite imagery used to support military operations in the Middle East.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had recently struck a Russian warship and vessels allegedly used to transport Iranian-linked military cargo in the Caspian Sea, and claimed Russian satellite surveillance of Gulf states and U.S. military facilities was being shared with Tehran to assist in planning and assessing strikes.

⦿ 20:47 GMT | UPDATE

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IRIB

A spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Britain would become a "definite and legitimate target" if it supported the United States in any military conflict with Tehran, according to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.

The spokesperson said any country, including Britain and Gulf states, that backed U.S. military operations against Iran would be considered a legitimate target.

The remarks also alleged that U.S. bombers had recently operated from British airfields.

⦿ 19:35 GMT | UPDATE

Ukraine alleges Russia shared Gulf surveillance with Iran

Volodymyr Zelenskyy via X

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had recorded Russia passing satellite observations of the Middle East to Iran to help it carry out strikes in the region.

⦿ 17:56 GMT | UPDATE

Iran says oil sales topped $18 billion during war and ceasefire

Reuters

Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the country generated $11.5 billion in oil sales during the war and a further $6.5 billion during the subsequent ceasefire, as reduced risks to tanker traffic boosted exports.

Paknejad said the ceasefire allowed Iran to sell part of its estimated 100 million barrels of stored crude oil and gas condensate.

According to the minister, the combined sales generated more than 60% of the oil revenue projected in Iran's annual budget.

⦿ 16:23 GMT | UPDATE

Qatar restores all maritime navigation activities

Reuters

Qatar's Ministry of Transport announced that maritime navigation activities for all types of marine transport and vessels will fully resume from 26 July, 2026.

The ministry did not provide further details on the decision.

⦿ 15:35 GMT | UPDATE

Israel launches artillery attacks into southern Lebanon

Al Jazeera

The Israeli military launched artillery attacks into southern Lebanon on Saturday, continuing military operations despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. According to Lebanese local sources cited by Iran's Tasnim news agency, the shelling targeted the villages of Kafrtbenit, Misra, Beit Yahun and Kunin.

Iran's Press TV also reported Israeli artillery fire hitting the southern town of Markaba and the Ali al-Taher Heights, as cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remained high.

⦿ 14:50 GMT | UPDATE

Lebanese Muslim leader says trust lies with Iran not U.S. or Israel

Al Jazeera

Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, deputy head of Lebanon's Higher Islamic Shia Council and a prominent figure aligned with Hezbollah, has said Lebanon places its trust in Iran and resistance groups rather than in assurances from the United States or Israel.

In a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, al-Khatib said past "bitter experiences" had taught the Lebanese people not to rely on promises made by Washington or Tel Aviv. He added that the resistance would not give up its weapons in exchange for what he described as empty guarantees.

Al-Khatib also praised Iran for its continued support, saying the Islamic Republic had consistently stood by Lebanon and honoured its commitments to its allies.

⦿ 14:20 GMT | UPDATE

Yemen’s Houthis targeted Saudi Red Sea oil facilities

Reuters

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they carried out operations targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, according to a statement by the group's military spokesperson Yahya Sarea.

"The first targeted sensitive targets at Aramco facilities in Jizan using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, while the second operation targeted sensitive targets at Aramco facilities in Yanbu using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones," Sarea said in his televised statement.

⦿ 14:00 GMT | UPDATE

Iran’s IRGC stops four ships in Strait of Hormuz

 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces stopped four vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours after firing warning shots, according to Iranian state television.

The vessels were attempting to pass through the southern corridor of the strait, which the IRGC considers an “unsafe passage”.

The IRGC has warned that ships using “unapproved” routes in the Strait of Hormuz could face a “forceful response”, raising further concerns over the security of trade through the key global energy route.

⦿ 13:26 GMT | UPDATE

Drone shot down near U.S. consulate in Iraq's Erbil

Reuters

Iraqi air defences shot down a drone near the U.S. consulate in the Kurdistan Region's capital, Erbil, on Saturday (25 July), security sources told Reuters.

The sources did not immediately identify the drone's origin or whether the incident caused any damage or casualties.

⦿ 12:30 GMT | UPDATE

U.S. employing ‘hot and cold’ strategy to pressure Iran

Al Jazeera

Former Austrian Defence Attaché Wolfgang Pusztai said the United States is applying a combination of diplomatic, economic and military measures to pressure Iran and achieve its strategic goals. He said one of Washington's main objectives is to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies.

Pusztai described the U.S. approach as a "hot and cold" strategy, where periods of military action are alternated with pauses to increase pressure on Iran and encourage negotiations. He suggested that the pattern of attacks and breaks could create psychological strain while pushing Tehran towards seeking an end to the conflict.

He added that Iran's leadership is divided, with one faction favouring a return to negotiations and another seeking to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz through military means. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to signal interest in diplomacy while keeping military pressure on the table.

⦿ 11:40 GMT | UPDATE

Egyptian, Omani, Iranian ministers talk de-escalation efforts

Al Jazeera

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone discussions with his Iranian and Omani counterparts, Abbas Araghchi and Badr Albusaidi, to explore ways to reduce tensions and maintain freedom of navigation in key waterways.

The talks focused on restoring security and stability across the region, with particular attention to the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, which are vital routes for global trade and energy supplies. Egypt stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could threaten maritime security, warning that any disruption to shipping could harm regional interests and the wider global economy.

⦿ 11:00 GMT | UPDATE

Iran’s Araghchi says ‘no military solution’ to Yemen conflict

Al Jazeera

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has said there is no military solution to the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels following recent exchanges of attacks. In an interview with the state-run Iran Daily newspaper, he urged all sides to pursue dialogue to address the crisis.

Araghchi also rejected suggestions that Iran was responsible for the conflict, saying the situation in Yemen and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait stemmed from longstanding disputes between Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, rather than Iranian involvement.

⦿ 10:20 GMT | UPDATE

No fresh U.S. strikes reported as Gulf tensions persist

Al Jazeera

Iran reported no overnight U.S. air strikes into Saturday, marking an apparent pause after 13 consecutive nights of attacks. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said the country had experienced "a peaceful night", while U.S. Central Command also made no announcement of fresh military action.

According to Iran's Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed more than 3,400 lives in Iran. Elsewhere, 18 U.S. service personnel, 24 civilians in Israel and smaller numbers of civilians across the region have also been killed. In Lebanon, the fighting has left more than 4,000 people dead, along with 38 Israeli soldiers.

⦿ 09:55 GMT | UPDATE

Incident involving tanker and military forces reported in Gulf of Oman, UKMTO says

Reuters

A tanker was involved in an encounter with military forces in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Saturday.

UKMTO advised vessels to consult the latest maritime security information and remain alert to the evolving operational environment.

⦿ 09:20 GMT | UPDATE

Missiles targeting Saudi oil refineries shot down, sources say

Reuters

Saudi Arabia's air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen that were targeting oil refineries in Yanbu, with no immediate reports of damage. The interceptions were carried out by a U.S.-made Patriot missile defence battery operated by Greek military personnel, who have been stationed in the kingdom since 2021 to help protect its energy infrastructure.

The attack came a day after fresh U.S. air strikes on Iran, prompting President Donald Trump to warn Tehran and its Houthi allies of "major military punishment."

The Houthis have escalated the conflict by attacking Saudi oil tankers and imposing a naval blockade in the Red Sea, fuelling concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies and pushing Brent crude prices to around $100 per barrel. Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly exploring efforts to revive U.S.-Iran peace talks as tensions continue to rise.

⦿ 08:40 GMT | UPDATE

Israeli forces raid Tubas and al-Far’a camp in occupied West Bank

Al Jazeera

Israeli forces carried out raids in the occupied West Bank city of Tubas and the nearby al-Far’a refugee camp, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

At dawn, Israeli troops entered Tubas with a large number of military vehicles, deploying across several neighbourhoods and conducting searches of residents’ homes.

The forces withdrew from the city after nearly three hours, with no arrests reported.

Later, the troops moved to the al-Far’a camp south of Tubas, where they launched another large-scale raid on residents’ homes, according to Wafa.

⦿ 07:50 GMT | UPDATE

Israeli forces raid multiple West Bank towns amidst rising violence

Al Jazeera

Israeli forces carried out overnight raids across several areas of the occupied West Bank, as tensions and violence continue to escalate.

According to reports, a Palestinian teenager and an elderly man were injured by gunfire during incidents in Bethlehem and Nablus.

Israeli troops raided areas including Aqabat Jabr refugee camp near Jericho, Qalqilya, Kafr Aqab near Jerusalem, and several villages in the Ramallah, Jenin and Tulkarem districts.

In Nablus, Israeli forces entered Tal, Qaryut and Beit Furik, carrying out arrests and searches of homes. Residents in Qaryut were also reportedly targeted with tear gas.

Meanwhile, settler attacks were reported in the village of Urif, south of Nablus, where homes were targeted.

⦿ 07:20 GMT | UPDATE

Iran FM praises Russia’s stance against U.S. and Israeli ‘aggression’

Al Jazeera

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Moscow’s position against what he described as “military aggression” by the United States and Israel.

Araghchi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, Araghchi blamed the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz on the United States’ “breach of promises and crimes”.

He welcomed Russia’s “principled stance” in condemning U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, while stressing Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy and its determination to defend its national interests and security.

Araghchi also said Iran would prevent the United States from using the Strait of Hormuz as a means to threaten Iran’s security.

Lavrov, meanwhile, said Russia was ready to provide assistance in establishing a regional security mechanism based on the involvement of countries in the region.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva, Switzerland, 17 February, 2026. Reuters
Reuters
⦿ 07:05 GMT | UPDATE

Trump says Iran in talks with U.S., warns Tehran cannot have nuclear weapon

Al Jazeera

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is currently engaging in talks with Washington and suggested he is open to negotiations, though he believes Tehran is not yet ready for a deal.

Speaking at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, Trump said any agreement would have to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. He claimed U.S. military action had significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities, saying the country’s navy and air force had suffered major losses.

Trump also said Iran’s radar systems and drone capabilities had been severely reduced, arguing that Tehran has limited military options remaining.

He reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains the main objective, warning that Tehran could use such a weapon if it obtained one.

⦿ 02:53 GMT | UPDATE

Trump says Netanyahu will visit Washington next week

Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington next week for talks.
The Israeli PM's office also confirmed he would attend the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham who died earlier in July.
The announcement comes as the two leaders continue discussions amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

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