Lebanon
The price of Brent crude rose by 0. 5% amid new Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the possible tightening of US sanctions against Iran. Traders are assessing the risks ahead of the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran.
On August 15, 11 people, including children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the villages of Ansar and Deir ez-Zahrani. The Prime Minister of Lebanon condemned the strikes, calling them a disruption of efforts to stabilize the situation.
Iran said it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that additional conditions, including compensation from the United States, are needed to resume traffic. Washington expects an agreement soon.
Iran said it had reached an agreement with Oman on shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement does not guarantee safety, and restoration depends on conditions, including the lifting of the U.S. blockade.
After several days without large-scale bombardments, around 820,000 people returned to Lebanon. Israel launched new strikes on Hezbollah facilities, accusing it of violating the ceasefire.
The final round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, has started in Rome and will last until Thursday. The parties are discussing the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the redeployment of Israeli forces.
Israeli military destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels in the Beaufort area of southern Lebanon using 700 tons of explosives. Netanyahu and Katz threatened a harsh response to violations of the ceasefire.
The US and Saudi Arabia conducted joint precision strikes against Iranian proxy force facilities in eastern Iraq. The strikes followed more than 30 drone attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past 72 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting will focus on the war with Iran and other regional issues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold a separate meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, where they will discuss the peace process with Russia. A meeting between Zelenskyy and all 100 senators is also scheduled at the Capitol amid the consideration of a bill on sanctions against the Russian Federation.
U. S. President Donald Trump will receive Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday for separate meetings. They will discuss the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The US conducted a 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting command centers and drone storage facilities. The price of oil exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time since May after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers.
The next round of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome on August 4. The framework agreement provides for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has added Jordan to the list of countries banned for flights. The reason was the rapid deterioration of the security situation due to military activity.
US Central Command struck Iranian military centers and logistics to weaken threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warned of retaliatory measures, and Trump threatened strikes on a nuclear facility.
Two Lebanese Red Cross paramedics were injured as a result of a mine explosion in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred during the search for a missing person in a mined area of Zawtar.
Nearly 100 American soldiers have been wounded since July 7 amid the conflict with Iran. The US has launched new strikes on Iran, targeting command centers and naval infrastructure.
The Israel Defense Forces have launched a pilot program for a partial withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon, handing over control of three villages to the Lebanese army. Israel does not plan to fully leave the region until Hezbollah is disarmed.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is considering adding Chersonesus Taurica in occupied Crimea to the list of sites in danger. The landmark is threatened by illegal excavations and construction.
Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington for a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. On the agenda are security and the situation in the region amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
U. S. President Donald Trump has intensified airstrikes on Iran and threatened broader escalation. Analysts believe that the intensification of attacks is unlikely to force Tehran into concessions.
In Rome, negotiations between Lebanon and Israel mediated by the United States have concluded. A US official reported progress in implementing the pilot zone plan, which envisions the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The US struck Iran's coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage facilities in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran threatens to halt the export of regional energy carriers.
U. S. President Donald Trump, during a phone call, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon. According to Axios, Netanyahu is unlikely to take significant steps due to the elections.
Coalition leader Ofir Katz confirmed that the elections will take place on October 27. This is the first nationwide election after the Hamas attack in 2023.
The Iranian delegation at the negotiations in Switzerland protested against verbal threats from US President Donald Trump. Trump threatened to take control of the Strait of Hormuz if no agreement is reached.
US intelligence agencies have warned the Trump administration that Netanyahu is likely to undermine efforts toward a deal with Iran through military actions in Lebanon. The political survival of the Israeli prime minister is tied to escalation against Hezbollah.
U. S. Vice President JD Vance has postponed a planned visit to Switzerland for talks with Iran on its nuclear program due to complex logistical circumstances. Iran is also delaying the dispatch of its delegation because of Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN expressed confidence in US President Trump in negotiations with Iran. Israel expects an agreement that will prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.
U. S. President Donald Trump stated his expectation of a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel. The United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement that launches a 60-day negotiation period.