West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Follow how regional actors read through ongoing regional tensions, international negotiations and domestic challenges:
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(File) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. Reuters
Welcome to today’s live coverage of key developments across West Asia. After nearly two years of heightened tensions and regional conflict, the United States and Iran are preparing to resume nuclear talks in Oslo, in what could mark a critical turning point in regional diplomacy. Meanwhile, investigations into civilian harm near Gaza aid sites and a surge in PTSD diagnoses in Israel point to the deepening humanitarian and psychological toll of ongoing violence.
In other developments, Iran has indicated it will not escalate militarily unless provoked, while President Donald Trump has stated he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if needed. Amid these shifts, a vote on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been delayed following intense debate within the European Broadcasting Union.
Stay tuned for updates as events unfold:
Live Updates
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Follow how regional actors read through ongoing regional tensions, international negotiations and domestic challenges:
July 5, 2025, 05:15:06 (IST)
Saudi FM says Gaza ceasefire is top priority, not ties with Israel
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has declared that Riyadh’s current focus is on securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, placing it ahead of any potential normalization of ties with Israel, as per a report in Israel National News. The statement clarifies the kingdom’s position, indicating that progress on broader regional diplomatic initiatives, such as establishing formal relations with Israel, is contingent upon the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
July 5, 2025, 05:15:06 (IST)
Saudi leadership congratulates US President Donald Trump on Independence Day
The leadership of Saudi Arabia extended congratulations to United States President Donald Trump and the American people on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day on July 4, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The message represents a formal diplomatic communication between the two nations, a standard practice for maintaining state-to-state relations on national holidays.
July 5, 2025, 04:45:05 (IST)
Netanyahu and defense official reportedly clash over plan to displace Gazans
A significant disagreement reportedly occurred between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir over a cabinet plan concerning the population of Gaza, The Times of Israel said in a report. During what was described as a stormy meeting, Zamir allegedly expressed disbelief at a proposal to displace two million Gazans to the southern part of the Strip and impose a siege on the north. He reportedly questioned the plan’s feasibility and long-term implications by asking, “Who will govern 2 million people?”, highlighting a rift between political leadership and defense officials on the strategic management of the conflict and its aftermath.
July 5, 2025, 04:45:05 (IST)
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal eliminated from Club World Cup after loss to Brazil's Fluminense
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has been knocked out of the Club World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Brazil’s Fluminense in the quarterfinal stage, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The defeat eliminates the Saudi team, which qualified as the reigning AFC Champions League winner, from the international tournament. Fluminense advances to the semifinals of the competition.
July 5, 2025, 03:30:03 (IST)
Saudi Arabia reports business and job growth at 14-year high
Business activity and job creation in Saudi Arabia have reached a 14-year high, reflecting the impact of the nation’s ongoing economic reforms, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The growth is a key indicator of progress for the Vision 2030 agenda, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and boost the private sector. These positive economic figures are supported by efforts to attract foreign investment and are aligned with the ‘Saudization’ policy focused on increasing employment for Saudi nationals.
July 5, 2025, 02:15:07 (IST)
Wildfires sweep Syria's coast amid severe drought and legacy of war
Syria is battling widespread wildfires along its coast as the nation contends with its most severe drought in decades, according to a report in The New York Times. Efforts to control the blazes are being significantly hindered by the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance remaining from the country’s civil war. The combination of extreme weather and the lingering dangers from the conflict is straining the capacity of the state to respond to the disaster.
July 5, 2025, 01:00:07 (IST)
Saudi Arabia's culinary commission opens registration for global chef competitions
Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has officially opened national registration for chefs seeking to represent the country in two of the world’s most prestigious culinary contests, the Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The government-backed initiative aims to identify and select top Saudi culinary talent through a national competition. The winners of this domestic round will then advance to represent the kingdom on the international stage, reflecting a broader effort to develop the nation’s culinary arts sector and increase its participation in global cultural events.
July 5, 2025, 01:00:07 (IST)
Israeli strikes targeted Iranian air defenses ahead of US bomber operation
Israeli military forces reportedly conducted strikes against Iranian air defense installations, an action which is said to have facilitated a subsequent, separate operation by United States bombers in West Asia, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The report suggests the Israeli strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s defensive capabilities, effectively clearing a path for the American military aircraft. The specific nature of the US operation that followed the Israeli action against Iran’s air defense network was not detailed.
July 5, 2025, 00:30:05 (IST)
UK court upholds restrictive order against Palestine Action activist group
The London High Court has upheld a restrictive order against the pro-Palestine activist group Palestine Action, denying its attempt to have the measures paused, Al Jazeera said in a report. The ruling maintains the designation which subjects the group to significant operational and legal restrictions. Palestine Action is known for its direct-action campaigns, which have targeted UK-based companies that supply military equipment to Israel, and the court’s decision affirms the legal constraints placed upon its activities.
July 5, 2025, 00:15:06 (IST)
US senator pledges to consider reviewing Syrian terrorist designations in call with foreign minister
US Senator Marco Rubio has pledged to consider a review of terrorist designations concerning Syria during a phone call with the Syrian Foreign Minister, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussion about re-evaluating designations could affect US counter-terrorism policy and sanctions under the Caesar Act. This development comes from a senator with a historically critical stance on the Syrian government and occurs as some Arab states are moving to re-engage with Damascus.
July 5, 2025, 00:15:06 (IST)
Gaza civil defense says Israeli strikes kill 15
Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of 15 people, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The casualties were reported by the Gaza Civil Defense, an entity that operates under the authority of the Hamas government. The strikes are part of the ongoing military operations in the region that began in October 2023.
July 4, 2025, 23:46:14 (IST)
Baha'i community faces persecution in Iran and across the Middle East
Across the Middle East, and especially in Iran, the Baha’i religious community is subject to significant persecution, The Times of Israel says in a report. The Islamic Republic of Iran is identified as the primary force behind this repression, which reportedly includes severe measures such as forced deportations and the separation of families. Furthermore, members of the Baha’i faith are allegedly denied fundamental civil rights, including the issuance of marriage licenses and enrollment for their children in public schools.
July 4, 2025, 23:45:06 (IST)
Regional military tensions contribute to fluctuations in Iran's currency market
Iran’s currency market is facing significant instability, with the national currency fluctuating amid heightened military tensions across West Asia, according to a report in WANA. The economic pressure is attributed to several ongoing factors, including the regional spillover from the conflict in Gaza, which has led to increased activity by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria. Additionally, recent direct missile and drone strikes by Iran in neighboring countries and the persistent impact of comprehensive US sanctions contribute to the geopolitical risk affecting the currency’s value.
July 4, 2025, 23:30:05 (IST)
Lebanon to seek US guarantees in response to de-escalation proposal
Lebanon is preparing its official reply to a US-mediated diplomatic proposal designed to resolve the ongoing border conflict with Israel, and will reportedly seek specific American guarantees as a core component of its response, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This move underscores Lebanon’s need for external assurances on security and sovereignty before committing to a deal that would likely involve the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The request for guarantees is a critical step in the diplomatic efforts led by the US to prevent a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah, which have engaged in daily cross-border fire since October 2023.
July 4, 2025, 23:30:05 (IST)
Saudi and Russian foreign ministers discuss relations and regional developments
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and to review recent regional developments in West Asia, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The talks covered topics of mutual interest, including ongoing diplomatic efforts for de-escalation in the region and coordination on energy policy within the OPEC+ alliance.
July 4, 2025, 23:01:10 (IST)
Assault cases against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans dropped in Netherlands after CCTV footage erased
Dutch prosecutors have dropped assault charges against fans of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv because crucial CCTV evidence was erased, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The legal proceedings in the Netherlands were halted due to the unavailability of the video footage, which was considered essential for the prosecution’s case. The charges related to alleged assaults involving the fans.
July 4, 2025, 23:00:04 (IST)
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia sign $27 billion in oil and clean energy deals
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have signed agreements for investments totaling $27 billion in various fields, including oil and clean energy, according to a report in Al-Monitor. The deals were finalized during a state visit to the kingdom by Indonesia’s President-elect, Prabowo Subianto. The specific financial breakdown between the traditional fossil fuel investments and the clean energy projects was not disclosed in the announcement.
July 4, 2025, 23:00:04 (IST)
Syria revises national emblem in symbolic move away from Assad-era symbols
Syria’s government has introduced a revised national emblem, a gold eagle, in what is being framed as a symbolic break from the era of the Assad family’s rule, as per a report in Al-Monitor. The change is not the creation of a new symbol but a modification of the Syrian Eagle, which has been a national emblem in various forms for decades. The move is viewed by some regional analysts as a gesture to support Syria’s ongoing reintegration with other Arab states. However, Syrian opposition groups and Western policy analysts have dismissed the change as a superficial and cosmetic act, arguing it does not address the fundamental need for political reform, human rights, or accountability.
July 4, 2025, 22:00:06 (IST)
Video shows Israeli strike on residential building in central Gaza
Video footage released on Friday shows an Israeli airstrike hitting a residential building in the densely populated area of central Gaza, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The strike is part of the ongoing military operations in the region. The incident highlights the continued conflict and its impact on civilian infrastructure within the Gaza Strip.
July 4, 2025, 20:30:09 (IST)
Israeli soldier killed during operations in southern Gaza
Sergeant Asaf Zamir, 19, has been killed in southern Gaza, Israel National News said in a report. Zamir was a soldier serving in the Israeli military’s Armored Corps, and his death occurred during ongoing military operations in the region.
July 4, 2025, 20:00:04 (IST)
IAEA inspectors depart Tehran following recent conflict
Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have departed Tehran after remaining in the Iranian capital throughout a recent 12-day period of fighting involving the US, Israel, and Iran, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The departure of the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspectors comes after a significant military escalation in the West Asia region.
July 4, 2025, 20:00:04 (IST)
Hostage families appeal to President Trump for release deal at US embassy in Tel Aviv
On US Independence Day, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, publicly appealing for intervention from US President Donald Trump, Israel National News says in a report. The demonstrators urged President Trump to broker what they referred to as a “comprehensive deal” to secure the freedom of 50 remaining hostages and bring an end to the ongoing war. The protest leveraged the symbolic date and location to direct its plea for a resolution to the current US administration.
July 4, 2025, 19:30:04 (IST)
Syria's Druze community voices growing distrust in state security following attacks
Recent attacks targeting the Druze religious minority in Damascus have fueled a growing sense of distrust towards the Syrian state, which is seen as unable or unwilling to provide adequate security, according to a report in BBC. This insecurity is exacerbating fears within the community of being marginalized in what is often described as post-war Syria. The incidents in the capital undermine the government’s narrative of stability and highlight the fragile security situation, even in areas under its firm control. The Druze community, which has historically navigated a complex relationship of neutrality with the regime, now worries about its future vulnerability amidst a severe economic crisis and a fragmented security environment.
July 4, 2025, 19:15:03 (IST)
Knesset bill seeks to narrow eligibility for Israeli citizenship
A bill proposed in Israel’s Knesset would amend the country’s Law of Return by eliminating a clause that grants citizenship to individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The legislation specifically targets the “grandparent clause,” an amendment added in 1970, which extends citizenship rights to the children and grandchildren of Jews, even if they are not considered Jewish under strict religious law (Halacha). If passed, the bill would significantly narrow eligibility for Israeli citizenship, aligning it more closely with the Halachic definition.
July 4, 2025, 19:00:05 (IST)
Report finds sharp rise in West Bank settlement construction under current Israeli government
A new report has revealed a sharp rise in construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank since the current government took office in early 2023, Israel National News says in a report. The findings, originally from a Channel 12 News broadcast, detail a significant growth in building activity in the territory. This surge in construction has occurred under the Israeli government that was formed in late 2022 and began its term at the start of 2023.
July 4, 2025, 18:31:18 (IST)
Families of hostages protest outside U.S. embassy facility in Israel demanding a deal
Families of hostages held by Hamas protested outside a U.S. embassy facility in Israel, demanding a comprehensive deal for the release of their relatives, as per a report in Haaretz. The demonstration aims to increase pressure on the U.S. government, a key mediator in the conflict, to secure the release of captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attack. The protest highlights the families’ call for a complete resolution to the hostage crisis amid ongoing negotiations.
July 4, 2025, 18:31:18 (IST)
Hamas has a new leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad
Hamas has a new leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, whose rise reportedly signals the group will maintain its firm stance on demanding a complete end to the war before releasing any more hostages, according to a report in The New York Times. The appointment of al-Haddad is viewed as a critical test for future cease-fire negotiations, as Hamas’s primary demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities has been a major point of contention in previous talks. This leadership change occurs amid significant international pressure for a resolution and a severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.
July 4, 2025, 18:30:09 (IST)
US Justice Department reportedly cancels questioning of 'Qatargate' lobbyist for Israeli investigators
The U.S. Justice Department has reportedly canceled the questioning of lobbyist Jay Footlik by Israeli investigators regarding the ‘Qatargate’ corruption scandal, according to a report in Haaretz. The interview was scheduled to take place in the United States, where investigators intended to question Footlik over suspicions that he was involved in payments to Israeli political figure Benjamin Netanyahu. The cancellation halts this line of inquiry by Israeli authorities operating in the U.S.
July 4, 2025, 17:30:10 (IST)
Drone downed near Iraqi airport hosting US-led coalition troops
An explosive drone was intercepted near Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, which is adjacent to a base housing US-led coalition troops, The Times of Israel said in a report. The incident on Friday caused no damage or injuries, though it resulted in a single flight delay. A second explosive UAV also reportedly fell near Kirkuk airport in a separate incident. These events occur amid a pattern of similar drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria, which are often attributed to Iran-backed militias.
July 4, 2025, 17:02:14 (IST)
Saudi crown prince and Abu Dhabi deputy ruler discuss bilateral relations
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia met with the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi to review the bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussions focused on strengthening strategic ties and enhancing coordination between the two countries on multiple fronts.
July 4, 2025, 17:01:10 (IST)
Zeynep Sonmez becomes first Turkish player in Open Era to reach Grand Slam third round
Zeynep Sonmez has become the first tennis player from Turkey in the Open Era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament, marking a significant milestone for the country in the sport, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This achievement is a historic first for any Turkish player since the professional Open Era began in 1968.
July 4, 2025, 17:01:10 (IST)
Saudi Arabia ranks first in ITU's 2025 ICT Development Index
Saudi Arabia has been ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 2025 ICT Development Index, which assesses information and communication technology access, use, and skills, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The top ranking is presented as a significant milestone for the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy through digital transformation. The ITU’s index is a key benchmark for measuring a country’s progress in building an information society and places Saudi Arabia ahead of other nations in the West Asia region in this specific metric.
July 4, 2025, 17:00:05 (IST)
Saudi Arabia and Oman launch second phase of industrial integration initiative
Saudi Arabia’s Industry Minister has launched the second phase of an industrial integration initiative with Oman, a move designed to deepen economic ties and cooperation between the two Gulf countries, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This stage builds on existing bilateral efforts and is aligned with the economic diversification strategies of Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration in industrial policy, promote joint ventures in manufacturing, and develop shared supply chains to strengthen the non-oil sectors of both economies.
July 4, 2025, 17:00:05 (IST)
Saudi crown prince and German opposition leader discuss regional developments
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to review regional developments, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussion between the two leaders focused on the current situation and events in the West Asia region and efforts made regarding them.
July 4, 2025, 16:47:11 (IST)
Israeli military is preparing an enforcement plan to counter Iranian threats, defense minister says
Israel’s military is preparing an “enforcement plan” with the objective of ensuring Iran no longer threatens Israel, the nation’s Defense Minister said, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement signals a heightened military readiness and a proactive stance against perceived threats from Tehran. This development comes amid ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and its support for regional proxy networks, which Israel views as direct threats to its security.
July 4, 2025, 16:46:06 (IST)
80-year-old and caregiver found dead in suspected murder-suicide near Jerusalem
An 80-year-old woman and her 30-year-old caregiver, a foreign national, were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide in the town of Mevasseret Zion, near Jerusalem, according to a report in Haaretz. Israeli Police discovered the two individuals inside a house in the residential area. The investigation into the circumstances of their deaths is ongoing.
July 4, 2025, 16:45:05 (IST)
GCC to launch unified tourism visa soon, says secretary-general
A unified tourism visa for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be launched soon, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi announced, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The new visa system, similar to Europe’s Schengen visa, is designed to allow international tourists to travel freely between all six member states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—on a single visa. This initiative aims to simplify travel logistics for non-GCC citizens, boost the regional tourism sector, and support broader economic diversification strategies across the bloc.
July 4, 2025, 16:45:05 (IST)
Saudi Arabia explores generative AI to boost industrial innovation
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is exploring how generative AI can be used to advance industrial innovation within the Kingdom, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil. The focus is on applying advanced AI technologies across traditional Saudi industries such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness.
July 4, 2025, 16:45:05 (IST)
First international airline lands at Tehran airport after flight suspension
The first international commercial flight has landed at Tehran’s airport, ending a suspension of services, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This development marks a step towards normalizing air travel to Iran, which had been significantly curtailed, largely due to global restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of international flights is a notable event for Iran’s aviation sector, which operates within a challenging economic environment influenced by international sanctions.
July 4, 2025, 16:00:11 (IST)
Israeli small businesses struggle to stay afloat amid prolonged conflict and slow government aid
Small businesses in Israel are facing severe financial distress and the risk of collapse due to the cumulative economic damages from 20 months of war, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Government compensation for affected businesses has been slow to arrive and is considered insufficient to cover the losses incurred. As a result, social lending organizations are intervening to provide loans to help these businesses stay operational amid the prolonged economic hardship.
Welcome to today’s live coverage of key developments across West Asia. After nearly two years of heightened tensions and regional conflict, the United States and Iran are preparing to resume nuclear talks in Oslo, in what could mark a critical turning point in regional diplomacy. Meanwhile, investigations into civilian harm near Gaza aid sites and a surge in PTSD diagnoses in Israel point to the deepening humanitarian and psychological toll of ongoing violence.
In other developments, Iran has indicated it will not escalate militarily unless provoked, while President Donald Trump has stated he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if needed. Amid these shifts, a vote on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been delayed following intense debate within the European Broadcasting Union.
Stay tuned for updates as events unfold:
End of Liveblog
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