Mediator Pakistan insisted on Thursday (July 30, 2026) that negotiations between Iran and the United States were ongoing, even as Washington carried out a “heavy wave of strikes” on its foe in retaliation for fresh attacks targeting Jordan.

The last two days have seen Saudi Arabia join the U.S. in striking militant groups in Iraq, while Egypt has come under fire for the first time with a drone attack at a Mediterranean port, leading its President to warn that the conflict in West Asia is facing a serious escalation. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, said it had set up a maritime defence alliance of 14 regional countries to secure navigation around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Also read: With Houthi blockade on Saudi Arabia, Bab el-Mandeb returns to centre stage | Explained

President Donald Trump said Thursday that a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, but many hurdles, conditions and long timelines remained to wind down the war in the Palestinian territory. Neither Hamas nor Israel gave immediate indication that they had agreed. The official added that Iran remains a wildcard in the equation because although it counseled Hamas members not to accept a deal, it is also not in a position to offer the group much support because it is preoccupied with the conflict with the United States.

Follow here for live updates,