As the West Asia conflict remains locked in a dangerous stalemate, back-channel diplomacy is gaining momentum. Iran has reportedly conveyed seven conditions to Washington through Qatari mediators before it will re-engage in negotiations. Key demands include ending hostilities on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian assets, and lifting the U.S. naval blockade. At the same time, Iran's top security official has warned that Tehran is prepared for a "decisive war" if its demands are rejected, underscoring the high stakes surrounding ongoing diplomatic efforts.


US-Iran war: Tehran sets seven conditions to re-engage in talks with US 

US-Iran war: Tehran draws red lines — seven demands before any peace talks

Reports suggest Boko Haram and Nigerian authorities have observed an informal truce since June, though the government has yet to officially confirm any agreement. The reported ceasefire could be extended by another 40 days, even as Abuja denies claims that it paid a $3.7 million hostage ransom. Meanwhile, Nigeria is moving ahead with a major military expansion, adding 30,000 troops and creating four new army divisions to strengthen national security.


Nigeria-Boko Haram truce could be extended 40 days

The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider escalation in the region. The operation comes after recent attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. personnel, and days after Washington and Tehran exchanged fire following a month-long lull.


US-Iran war: US strikes Iran after month-long pause

While U.S. President Donald Trump calls Iran a failed nation, the latter's war-time performance is stark. According to Iranian state media, IRGC's missile strike caused extensive damage to an aircraft hangar at the Muwaffaq Salti air base in Jordan. Amid this, the cracks within Pentagon are widening with the resignation of U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.


Iran unleashes fury on US base in Jordan, frustrated Trump erupts over nuke question

A Washington Post report reveals senior US military leaders have privately warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that six months of large-scale operations against Iran is "too much for too long," risking America's ability to respond to threats elsewhere, including on home soil. The concerns, detailed in a classified Aug. 14 Pentagon document, came from the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs and top commanders overseeing Europe, Asia and Latin America. The Navy appears hardest hit, with commanders warning ship maintenance and fleet readiness are being stretched thin


'Too much for too long': Reports say US commanders warn Hegseth Iran war is unsustainable

The Trump administration has launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” a sweeping campaign designed to squeeze Iran's financial lifelines and pressure countries doing business with Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that countries could face sanctions if they continue economic ties with Iran. More than 60 Iran-linked individuals and entities have already been targeted, while Washington is threatening broader secondary sanctions.
But the strategy faces a major obstacle: China, Iran's biggest oil customer. Beijing has warned it could retaliate against U.S. measures targeting Chinese companies involved in Iranian trade.

China warns US it could retaliate over Iran sanctions

Iran has dismissed the latest U.S. sanctions threat as a sign of desperation, insisting that Washington's pressure campaign will fail to change Tehran's policies. The response comes as the Trump administration prepares what officials describe as the toughest sanctions package yet, targeting Iran and countries that continue doing business with it. Iranian leaders argue that years of economic pressure have failed to achieve U.S. objectives, while Washington says tougher measures are needed to increase pressure on Tehran. As tensions escalate, the debate is shifting beyond sanctions: who is becoming more isolated on the global stage—Iran or the United States?


US-Iran war: Trump turns to economic warfare, pressures world to isolate Iran

US-Iran war: 'Tehran will stand firm,' Iran threatens total oil halt 

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran, warning of severe consequences for any country helping Tehran economically. The move comes amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Trump insists shipping is moving and “lots of boats” are crossing despite ongoing disputes over access and security in the vital waterway. The latest escalation signals a shift from military pressure to economic warfare.


US-Iran war: Mounting debt in the US, but Trump's focus remains on hurting Iran  

The UAE has accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles toward its shipping lanes, with one landing inside its territorial waters, and has responded by suspending all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Tehran indefinitely. The UAE Defence Ministry said the missiles appeared aimed at maritime traffic, though no damage or injuries were reported. Iran has firmly denied the accusation, calling it "baseless," with some suggesting it could be a "false flag operation." The incident comes as talks between the US and Iran remain stalled, with Trump confirming no negotiations are currently planned.


Iran war: UAE accuses Iran of firing missiles at shipping, halts all trade ties 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran will not accept another temporary ceasefire with the United States and wants a permanent end to the nearly six-month war.&nbsp;“We told the mediators that we will not accept a ceasefire; the war must come to an end,” Araghchi told semi-official Fars News Agency. “We were saying that the war must end in such a way that it will not be repeated.”&nbsp;“Security in the Gulf countries must be collective security that includes economic dimensions,” Araghchi added.“Qatar, along with Pakistan, played a very important role and entered into mediation, and our relationship with them is at a very good stage,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;The 60-day ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran technically ended on Monday. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks. President Donald Trump on Monday said he had no timeline for a deal.&nbsp;“The enemies were seeking our surrender; they went after changing the regime, fragmentation, and internal unrest, but whatever plan they pursued, they became disappointed and were defeated,” Araghchi further told Fars News Agency.&nbsp;Trump said on Tuesday that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a>&nbsp;Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement.&nbsp;<h2>Hegseth, Bessent ‘way out of their league’: Speaker Ghalibaf</h2>&nbsp;The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, attacked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, saying they are over their heads in the war with Iran.“Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week, Bessent had threatened Iran with “never before seen” sanctions that would result in the “economic isolation of a country.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-beg-pakistan-strictly-warns-its-umrah-pilgrims-tells-them-to-fully-comply-with-saudi-laws-1786991746961">‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement. Bessent and Hegseth are way out of their league. Stop waiting for the clown crew to pull a rabbit out of their hat and clean up the mess you made.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2089759296376480003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Bessent and Hegseth are way out of their league,” Ghalibaf said.&nbsp;“Stop waiting for the clown crew to pull a rabbit out of their hat and clean up the mess you made,” he added.Ghalibaf continues to ruffle the Trump administration on social media with his posts. Last week, Ghalibaf accused the administration of “theater diplomacy on loop” in regard to President Trump threatening massive attacks before backing off and saying negotiations are back on.&nbsp;Tehran has also begun shifting toward a “fully offensive” military posture after efforts to reach a permanent agreement stalled, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran will not accept another temporary ceasefire with the United States and wants a permanent end to the nearly six-month war. “We told the mediators that we will not accept a ceasefire; the war must come to an end,” Araghchi told semi-official Fars News Agency. “We were saying that the war must end in such a way that it will not be repeated.” “Security in the Gulf countries must be collective security that includes economic dimensions,” Araghchi added. “Qatar, along with Pakistan, played a very important role and entered into mediation, and our relationship with them is at a very good stage,” he said. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria The 60-day ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran technically ended on Monday. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks. President Donald Trump on Monday said he had no timeline for a deal. “The enemies were seeking our surrender; they went after changing the regime, fragmentation, and internal unrest, but whatever plan they pursued, they became disappointed and were defeated,” Araghchi further told Fars News Agency. Trump said on Tuesday that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. Hegseth, Bessent ‘way out of their league’: Speaker Ghalibaf The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, attacked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, saying they are over their heads in the war with Iran. “Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement,” Ghalibaf wrote on X. Last week, Bessent had threatened Iran with “never before seen” sanctions that would result in the “economic isolation of a country.” Also Read: ‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws

Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks.

‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

The Iran-U.S. war is putting growing pressure on America’s missile and air-defence stockpiles, raising concerns over how quickly depleted reserves can be replenished. At the same time, Russia’s missile production shows little sign of slowing, highlighting a major contrast in wartime manufacturing capacity. Allies and adversaries are watching closely as questions grow over U.S. readiness and long-term weapons supplies.


Iran-US war: Russia's missile production capacity shows no slowdown 

Erbil is reportedly emerging as a crucial hub for quiet diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. Reports suggest the US is exploring backchannel contacts with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to help secure a broader agreement, while Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani has again offered to facilitate dialogue. The developments highlight renewed efforts to revive negotiations amid continuing regional tensions.


US seeks IRGC backchannel to secure deal 

Tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz as the US redirects dozens of vessels amid growing pressure over Iran’s blockade. With peace talks stalled, President Trump says the US has “total control” of the strategic waterway and describes its naval presence as a “wall of steel.” Iran’s IRGC, meanwhile, says the conflict has strengthened its military experience, raising fears of a prolonged standoff.


Hormuz crisis: Trump says Iran has little left but fake news and empty threats

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. Israel says it targeted Hezbollah positions inside a security zone to eliminate threats against its forces.

The strikes come as the United Nations voices concern over extensive demolitions near Beaufort Castle, a UNESCO-listed heritage site recently added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject the US-backed framework agreement that calls for its disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UNESCO Site Damaged In Lebanon

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Fresh Israeli airstrikes have struck multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others, even as hopes rise for a new ceasefire agreement.

According to reports, an Israeli strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp after evacuation warnings were issued. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah also resulted in casualties. Meanwhile, families across Gaza continue searching for loved ones who remain missing amid the ongoing conflict.

The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as part of a proposed second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Trump said Israel was "very happy" with the agreement and described it as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Israel Strikes Gaza As Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Middle East Crisis

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has now held for a third consecutive day, as President Donald Trump says there is a "good chance" of progress in ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

Trump revealed that "very deep talks" are underway and suggested diplomacy may yet prevent a return to military confrontation. However, the U.S. president also warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail to produce results.

The developments come after weeks of heightened tensions that raised fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East. As diplomats continue efforts to secure a breakthrough, the world is closely watching whether the ceasefire can pave the way for a lasting agreement.

US-Iran ceasefire: Trump says 'good chance' of progress in talks

The U.S. military has struck Iran for the 13th consecutive night, with CENTCOM confirming it hit 12 military targets spread across seven Iranian provinces. The latest wave comes after last month's ceasefire agreement collapsed, reigniting strikes on missile depots, drone storage sites, naval assets, and air defense systems

US-Iran war | CENTCOM: 12 military targets across seven Iranian provinces hit

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase. Iranian strikes have targeted U.S. military installations across the region, while Washington has expanded its campaign with attacks on Iranian ports and strategic locations. Reports indicate that 17 U.S. troops have been killed since the start of the war, highlighting the growing human cost of the conflict. As both sides intensify military operations, concerns are rising about a broader regional escalation.


US-Iran war: Iran's precision strikes rock US bases | 17 troops killed as war escalates 

Iran has received a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire in an effort to revive the interim peace deal with the United States, according to Reuters.

A senior Iranian official told the news agency on Monday that mediators had shared a proposal with Iran to de-escalate the war with the United States through a 10-day ceasefire, allowing both sides to explore ways of reviving an interim deal reached last month.


Iran US conflict: Mediators push for 10-day Iran-US truce to reopen shipping lane

At least 42 US aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, were lost or damaged during Operation Epic Fury launched on February 28 targeting Iran, according to an official report.

The number of aircraft damaged or destroyed may remain subject to revision due to multiple factors, including classification, ongoing combat activity, and attribution, said the report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

Bahrain's interior ministry also said that its air raid sirens had sounded and urged citizens and residents to head to "the nearest safe place".

US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones

The US-Iran conflict escalated sharply as Iran struck US military hubs across West Asia and reported a US strike on its under-construction Darkhovin nuclear plant, calling it a violation of international law. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed an "unforgettable lesson" for the US in a written statement. The violence turned deadly for American forces too — CENTCOM confirmed two US service members killed and one missing after Iran's attack on a base in Jordan.


US-Iran war: Iran claims US military strike hit a nuclear power plant

US-Iran war: Power plants in Iran, Kuwait hit after the US confirms two troops killed in Jordan 

PoK rocked by massive street protests over inflation & systemic economic exploitation 

Houthis & Saudi Arabia trade fire after Sanaa international airport comes under attack 

Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

Iran strikes Kuwait's desalination plant as US bombs water facilities in south Iran  

Two American service members were killed and one is missing after Iran launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on a base in Jordan on Friday, US Central Command confirmed. Four other troops were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged.


Breaking: US confirms two troops killed, one missing in Iranian attack on Jordan base

Kuwait came under intense Iranian fire on Saturday, with strikes hitting an oil facility, a power and water desalination plant, and sparking multiple fires across the country. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed damage and injuries at the oil site, while firefighters and a worker were hurt battling the blazes. It's the second attack on a power and water plant in two days, critical since Kuwait relies on desalination for 90% of its drinking water. Flights at Kuwait International Airport were briefly suspended amid the strikes.


Iran war: Iran strikes Kuwait's oil, power & water facilities; fires rage and airport halts flights

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.


US-Iran war: Report suggests Iran's power plants, nuclear sites on US target 

Iran's IRGC unleashed a new wave of strikes across the Gulf, hitting bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and claiming an attack on a US command center in Syria's al-Tanf region — though Damascus has denied that strike occurred. In Kuwait, Iran says it hit weapons depots, HIMARS launchers, and a radar system, sparking a large fire. Qatar intercepted missiles aimed at Al Udeid airbase, wounding four people including a child. Iran says the strikes punish the US for hitting civilian infrastructure — a claim Washington disputes.


US-Iran war: Iran's 'monster missiles' hit Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan as IRGC claims Syria strike too 

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.

US-Iran war: US sends dozens of refueling jets to Israel as Iran targets Trump's properties: Reports

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