A fighter loyal to Yemen's Houthi movement walks over depictions of the ‘Israeli’ and US during a demonstration at the Sanaa University campus.
Day 149 | Houthis target Saudi oil as new Middle East front
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said they had launched missile and drone salvos against Saudi Arabia's oil facilities on Saturday, as fighting between regional allies of the United States and Iran intensified on a new front.
In a video statement, military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group targeted sites operated by the Saudi oil giant Aramco in Jizan and Yanbu, threatening to expand the group's response if attacked by the Gulf monarchy.
Earlier, the Houthis’ media had said a strike on Jizan had sparked fires. A video circulating on social media showed dark clouds rising above a refinery belonging to Aramco in the city.
The Iran-backed group had accused US ally Saudi Arabia of a "dangerous escalation" after Riyadh struck Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday.
The renewed exchange of fire between the US and Iranian allies signals the emergence of a new front in the Middle East war following US and ‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran at the end of February.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Tehran could not be blamed for the situation, and offered to help start a dialogue between the Houthis and the Saudis, arguing that "there is no military solution to the issue".
The threat to shipping comes in parallel with Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has become the central flashpoint between Tehran and Washington amid renewed hostilities between the two sides.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday their forces stopped four ships attempting to transit the strategic chokepoint over the past 24 hours.
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Iran confirms halt to attacks after US strikes pause
Iran’s military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran has suspended its retaliatory operations after the United States stopped its attacks over the past two nights.
Speaking to Iranian state television, Akraminia said Iran’s approach is based on responding in kind.
"The United States stopped its attacks during the past two nights, and since Iran’s strategy is based on reciprocal response, Iranian counter-operations have also stopped," he said.
Tehran questions US strategy
Asked whether the pause in US strikes represented a unilateral ceasefire, Akraminia said Washington had not yet adopted a clear strategy.
He claimed the current situation showed that the US was facing uncertainty and internal challenges in making strategic decisions.
Iran’s new supreme leader reaffirms country's support for Hezbollah
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in a letter addressed to its leader Naim Qassem and its commanders and fighters.
In the letter, Khamenei praised Hezbollah’s “perseverance and steadfastness” and described the group as being at the forefront of resistance to 'Israel' and its supporters. He also credited the Lebanese people, particularly communities in southern Lebanon, for supporting Hezbollah.
Khamenei said defending Hezbollah remained one of the Islamic Republic’s strategic policies. He asserted that preserving Lebanon’s territorial integrity and securing a “complete and unconditional” end to Israeli attacks were Iran’s principal conditions for any agreement ending the conflict.
The letter accused the United States and Israel of oppression and injustice and said “jihad and resistance” were the only remaining path.
Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite political party and militant group that functions as Iran’s most powerful and influential regional proxy in the Middle East.
Watch: ‘Israeli’ forces assault Palestinians in West Bank
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GOP senator says Congress may need to vote to authorize Iran war soon
Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy said Congress may soon need to take action over the ongoing war with Iran if President Donald Trump fails to bring the fighting to an end.
Speaking to CNN’s Dana Bash on "State of the Union," Cassidy said Trump had been given time to achieve the initial goals of the military campaign, which he supported.
"It may be soon, but in my mind, the president’s had the opportunity to achieve the initial goals, which I agreed with, to wrap it up. It’s not happened at this point," Cassidy said.
The Louisiana senator said it appears "unlikely" that Trump will be able to resolve the situation quickly, arguing that the president should return to Congress if the war continues.
"If it doesn’t happen, then again, the president needs to come to Congress, the American people, and say, ‘These are the facts.’ And then we have a conversation," Cassidy said.
Cassidy previously supported a war powers resolution in late June aimed at limiting Trump’s authority over military action in Iran, but withdrew his support after receiving a briefing from the administration.
He said the president may have access to information Congress does not, adding that a resolution to the crisis could still be close, but stressed that discussions with the administration must happen "relatively soon."
Iran accuses Ukraine of attacking commercial vessel
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel, claiming the incident killed a sailor.
In a post on X, Araghchi alleged that the attack was a "blatant UN Charter violation" carried out at the request of ‘Israel’ to draw Europe further into the war.
He said Tehran raised the issue in phone calls with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Araghchi said what he described as Ukraine’s actions "cannot go unanswered," without specifying what measures Iran may take.
Zelenskyy has attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor. A blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel's behest to drag Europe into its war.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 26, 2026
In calls with EU High Rep Kallas and FM Lavrov, made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did CANNOT GO UNANSWERED.
Netanyahu: Iran conflict ends when regime falls or gives up its nuclear program
‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war with Iran will end only if Tehran’s government collapses or becomes weakened enough to abandon its nuclear program.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be stopped "with a deal or without a deal."
He claimed the conflict would continue until Iran "realizes that the cost" of its actions, including regional instability and attacks, is too high.
Netanyahu warned Iran that any attack by Tehran or its allies against ‘Israel’ would trigger a strong response.
"If Iran or its proxies attack Israel, it will make a terrible mistake, because our response, Israel’s response, will be very, very forceful," he said.
Netanyahu also said his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump would focus on discussing future steps rather than sharing new intelligence, citing close cooperation between US and ‘Israeli’ intelligence agencies.
Netanyahu said he plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, where he said he would speak about ‘Israel’ and the ‘Israeli’-American alliance.
He also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting hostility toward Jews and supporting Hamas.
On Saudi Arabia’s potential nuclear agreement, Netanyahu said he supports only a civilian nuclear deal linked to normalization with ‘Israel’, warning against any military nuclear program in the kingdom.
Yemen PM says Houthi Red Sea attacks serve ‘Iranian agenda’
Yemen’s Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani accused the Houthi militia of carrying out an Iranian agenda through continued attacks on commercial vessels and threats to Red Sea maritime security.
In a post on X, al-Zindani claimed the attacks are endangering freedom of navigation, disrupting global supply chains and trade, and undermining United Nations efforts to support regional and international peace.
"The protection of freedom of navigation and maritime security is a collective responsibility," al-Zindani said, urging the international community to take stronger measures to deter Houthi actions and cut off sources of support.
Al-Zindani also said his government would continue coordinating closely with the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Trump pauses Iran strikes to allow diplomacy: US diplomat
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump paused military attacks on Iran to provide more space for diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
"He's giving talks some space, he's giving it a little bit of room," Waltz told Fox News.
Waltz did not disclose further details about the ongoing discussions between the US and Iran. His comments came amid a weekend lull in hostilities.
The Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign after 13 consecutive nights of escalating strikes, while there were no reported Iranian attacks on neighboring countries in the Middle East during the weekend.
Tehran to halt attacks if US maintains pause: Iranian source told Reuters
Iran will stop its attacks if the United States continues to suspend its military strikes, an Iranian source told Reuters.
According to the source, Tehran has conveyed this message to Washington through diplomatic channels.
Despite the message, the source said Iranian officials remain cautious about the current pause in hostilities.
"The prevailing view is that this pause is tactical rather than genuine," the source said, adding that Tehran is approaching the situation with more skepticism than optimism.
Iran’s president orders rapid reconstruction of damaged infrastructure after US strikes
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the accelerated reconstruction of strategic infrastructure, including rail networks and international transit corridors, following recent US attacks on the country.
During a visit to Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, Pezeshkian received a briefing on the damage caused to key infrastructure, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency.
Focus on regional connectivity
Pezeshkian stressed that strengthening transportation links with neighboring countries is a strategic priority to support the country's economy and regional position.
"The completion and connection of rail networks with neighbours could play an effective role in boosting economic resilience, developing international transit corridors and maximizing Iran's geopolitical capacities," he said.
Naval mine explodes beneath oil tanker in Hormuz
An oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with a naval mine after deviating from the maritime corridor specified by Iran, Iranian state news agency Mehr reported.
Citing an informed source, Tehran reiterated that it has repeatedly warned all maritime traffic that any vessel departing from Iran's designated navigation lane will bear the full consequences of non-compliance.
UK dismisses Iranian threats, reaffirms defensive action
- UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain will not be intimidated by Iranian threats.
- He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to defensive cooperation while ruling out participation in offensive strikes on Iran.
- Britain said it is prepared to lead a mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow.
- Streeting criticized Russia's live-fire exercise in the English Channel as "performative" and "irresponsible."
UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said that the United Kingdom will not be intimidated by Iranian "sabre-rattling" after Tehran labeled Britain a legitimate target for its role in hosting American aircraft supporting US operations.
Speaking to the BBC, Streeting urged the British public not to put "too much stock" in threat statements issued by the Iranian regime, affirming that UK forces stand ready to respond to any attacks directed against the nation or its allies.
Distinction between defensive support and offensive operations
Streeting emphasized the clear boundary in British defense strategy, reiterating that London has consistently refused to join offensive US military strikes targeting Iranian territory.
However, the UK continues to permit American military forces to deploy for defensive missions from British bases that host US personnel and aircraft.
While acknowledging tactical policy differences with Washington regarding direct offensive engagement, Streeting stressed that the UK remains completely aligned with the United States on securing commercial shipping lanes and maritime freedom through the Strait of Hormuz.
Hormuz mine-clearing plans
Addressing the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, Streeting warned that maritime disruptions in the region directly affect global energy prices and the domestic cost of living. He revealed that Britain stands ready to lead an international naval coalition to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz "when the conditions are right".
Talks with US
Streeting confirmed he is scheduled to meet in person with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming week following positive initial telephone discussions aimed at aligning international defense policy.
'Performative' Russian Channel maneuvers
Addressing broader security threats, Streeting dismissed a recent live-firing exercise conducted by a Russian warship in the English Channel as "performative" maneuvering.
Describing the exercise as irresponsible and unsafe, Streeting noted that the incident serves as a stark reminder of Russia's ongoing security challenge, reassuring the public that extensive daily defense efforts remain active to counter Russian activity.
Syria's Al-Sharaa rules out military intervention in Lebanon
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with Al Jazeera that Syria has no intention of carrying out any military intervention in neighboring Lebanon, emphasizing that Damascus is seeking political, diplomatic, and economic avenues rather than armed involvement to support regional stability.
US says Turkey fails legal requirements for F-35 return: JP
- The US reaffirmed that Turkey cannot receive F-35 fighter jets while it retains the Russian S-400 air defense system.
- State Department said CAATSA sanctions and FY2020 NDAA restrictions remain fully in effect.
- The clarification was delivered to Congress in a July 22 letter on behalf of President Donald Trump.
- Washington nevertheless acknowledged Turkey's diplomatic role in Gaza ceasefire efforts and other regional crises.
The US State Department informed Congress that Turkey does not meet the legal statutory requirements to re-enter the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, according to a letter obtained by The Jerusalem Post.
The July 22 letter -sent by the Bureau of Legislative Affairs on behalf of President Donald Trump in response to an inquiry from Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO)- reiterated that US policy regarding Ankara’s exclusion from the fifth-generation jet program remains unchanged.
Strict compliance required under US federal law
The State Department emphasized that federal law strictly prohibits transferring any F-35 aircraft to Turkey until Ankara fully resolves its possession of the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system.
To satisfy statutory obligations under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and Section 1245 of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Ankara must no longer possess the S-400 or related equipment, guarantee it will not acquire the system again, and fulfill all remaining certification benchmarks.
"Turkey has not yet met these conditions," the State Department wrote, adding that any resolution mechanism must remain "transparent, lawful, and consistent with our national security interests."
The letter referenced US President Trump’s recent bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, affirming that Washington will continue engaging with Turkey to resolve the S-400 dispute while strengthening NATO alliance cooperation.
Diplomatic contributions praised
While maintaining a firm stance on defense hardware transfers, the State Department credited Ankara with advancing several key US diplomatic initiatives.
The letter highlighted Turkey's mediation efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks, and broader counterterrorism operations against ISIS.
The State Department specifically commended Turkey for playing a "pivotal role" in advancing President Trump's Gaza peace framework.
According to the document, Ankara leveraged its ties with Hamas's political leadership to help secure acceptance of the proposal and facilitate the initial ceasefire phase, subsequently joining as a founding member of the Board of Peace.
However, Washington emphasized that Hamas's financial presence within Turkey remains a major concern.
The State Department warned that informal financial networks and unlicensed exchange houses operating in Turkey continue to be utilized by Hamas, reaffirming Washington's commitment to sanctioning affiliated entities and disrupting illicit funding pipelines to the group's military wing.
Iran calls off retaliatory attacks as U.S. strikes cease
Iran announced Sunday that it has suspended its retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries after the United States halted its strikes on Iran.
Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akrami Nia said the US had stopped its attacks over the past two nights, adding that Tehran had also paused its response as part of its strategy of acting "in kind."
He also warned that the conflict could expand across the Middle East if the United States resumes strikes on Iran and continues military cooperation with 'Israel'.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions following the exchange of attacks between Iran and the United States.
Iran says no change in Hormuz status after Oman talks
- Iran said there has been no change to the transit status of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran and Oman held deputy foreign minister-level talks on mechanisms for safe maritime navigation.
- Tehran said the discussions made progress.
- Technical and political consultations between Iran and Oman remain ongoing.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that there has been no change in the status of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement follows several rounds of bilateral discussions held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian officials and an Omani delegation at the deputy foreign minister level.
Progress in bilateral maritime consultations
Baghaei noted that the consultations focused on establishing shared principles and operational mechanisms to manage safe maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
Describing the talks as useful, Baghaei reported that progress was achieved during the sessions. Although the Omani delegation departed Tehran on Saturday evening, technical and political consultations between both countries remain ongoing.
VIDEO - Lebanese “pilot zone” residents return to damaged home
Residents of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah inspect their damaged homes upon returning to the southern Lebanese village, one of the "pilot zones" where the Lebanese army is deploying as part of a US-backed deal with ‘Israel’.
Under the US-sponsored agreement signed last month, Lebanon's army is meant to disarm Hezbollah and the ‘Israeli’ military is to withdraw from "pilot zones" where Lebanese forces will subsequently deploy.
Trump aides told to avoid car services over Iran assassination threat: WSJ
The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, said that the US intelligence has advised some of President Donald Trump’s top advisors to not take car services, due to possible assassination attempts by Iran.
Report claims Iran smuggling agents into UK as migrants
British authorities have intercepted individuals linked to Tehran’s intelligence agencies among those attempting to enter on small boats, claimed a report by The Telegraph.
Home Office officials have used drones and AI-equipped surveillance watchtowers to identify and thwart some of these arrivals.
People smugglers operating on the Continent told the newspaper that the Iranian leadership has allegedly facilitated passage for migrants in camps around Calais in exchange for a future “favour” once they settled in England.
Some trafficking routes between the Middle East and the Channel are allegedly controlled or “owned” by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly its Unit 700 logistics arm of the Quds Force.
Suspected operatives are linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
One Iranian official was quoted by The Telegraph as allegedly saying: “At the moment we have people right there in London… they wait for us to tell them what to do. We have not done that yet, but we can easily make London unsafe for you if we want to. These smuggling routes are more important and useful than the missiles for us – we do not need a missile to target London, it’s easier than that.”
A second official claimed Iran had people who could “even target their prime minister’s house.”
Officials noted that the number of threats via small boats is smaller than the volume of IRGC-affiliated individuals entering legally on flights from Europe.
The greater risks were said to involve radicalisation within the Iranian diaspora and proxy networks already in Britain.
Security experts expressed scepticism about Iran’s ability to plant long-term covert agents, suggesting the aim may partly be to sow fear and weaken UK support for operations against Tehran.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he had warned of Iranian operatives crossing by boat months earlier, based on diaspora sources, and faced ridicule at the time.
Shadow Security Minister Alicia Kearns stated: “The Government needs to face facts: the IRGC is exploiting the small boats crisis to put its operatives on British streets. We need an urgent taskforce to root out Iranian agents among those arriving and who’ve arrived on our shores… Tehran is openly threatening Britain and we have a Prime Minister silent on our national security – our people deserve answers, action and leadership.”
The claims emerge amid ongoing Channel crossings (with Iranians historically a significant nationality among arrivals), heightened UK-Iran tensions following the US-‘Israeli’ war, Iranian threats against sites such as RAF Fairford, and prior MI5 warnings about Iranian plots against dissidents and journalists in Britain.
Iranian sources have described the accusations as propaganda.
