Middle East briefing: Hormuz deal nears as regional tensions spread

Hormuz deal moves closer

Iran says it is in the final stages of drafting an agreement with Oman aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes of a partial return to normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy routes. Tehran said a joint statement could be issued soon, although it warned that the process could still be obstructed. Washington has indMiddle East briefing: Hormuz deal nears as regional tensions spreadicated that any temporary shipping routes would operate without approvals, tolls or other charges, while Donald Trump said the waterway was already “sort of open”. However, traffic remains dramatically below normal levels, with Lloyd’s List reporting just 84 transits in the week to August 2 compared with more than 700 in a typical week before the crisis. At least two ships have also been struck in the strait over the past week.

Houthis launch major escalation

The Iran-backed Houthis have sharply escalated their attacks in Yemen, killing at least 30 government troops and wounding around 50 in strikes on military positions in Marib and Hadramout. The attacks represent a significant escalation after a truce largely halted major fighting in Yemen since 2022. Saudi Arabia also reported a series of Houthi attacks near its border that injured more than 10 people, including a four-year-old child. The renewed violence raises fears that the wider Iran conflict could be opening another active front across the region.

Israeli troops killed in Lebanon

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed and four seriously wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking Israel’s first military deaths there since a shaky June ceasefire with Hezbollah. The incident came as Israeli and Lebanese negotiators met in Rome to discuss implementing the agreement, which calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah disarming. Israel carried out strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday after accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire, suggesting that the truce is already under serious strain.

Iraq moves against Iran-backed militias

Iraq has announced that armed activity outside government authority will be prosecuted under its Anti-Terrorism Law from September 30, in a major attempt to bring powerful Iran-backed militias under state control. Several factions have rejected demands to surrender their weapons, insisting they will continue their “resistance”. The move comes after Saudi Arabia and the United States carried out strikes against Iraqi militia positions following accusations that drones had been used to attack Saudi oil facilities.

AN Original