Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
President Donald Trump has told Axios the US is "low-keying" its approach to the war with Iran and is applying economic pressure through a naval blockade rather than new large-scale strikes. Mediators including Oman and Qatar are moving talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran denies direct US negotiations and shipping attacks continue to threaten the waterway.
A Paris investigating judge will examine JR complaints that Mohammed bin Salman was involved in torture and enforced disappearance in Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 killing. The Paris Court of Appeal has allowed the civil-complaint process to proceed against the Saudi crown prince, though no charges have been filed.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has expanded its football footprint, tying further commercial partnerships to FIFA as it suspends LIV Golf funding. The move accompanies plans for global events and fan-engagement initiatives ahead of 2034 World Cup hosting.
The Guardian and other outlets report that President Trump has postponed a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf rulers, while signaling readiness to resume with a larger strike if negotiations fail. Officials note ongoing talks and a possible deal that would block Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but there is no immediate ceasefire breakthrough.
Sir Alex Younger, who led MI6 from 2014 to 2020, has died at 62 after a cancer diagnosis. Colleagues and politicians have paid tribute, highlighting his openness and efforts to broaden recruitment beyond traditional norms.
Ukraine has confirmed that Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to convey messages to the Kremlin about peace prospects. Zelensky says Abramovich offered to relay Kyiv’s position to Putin and sought a face-to-face meeting. Putin has indicated no point in such talks, suggesting any settlement would require long-term guarantees.
Saudi Arabia has resumed Lebanese export access after a ban since 2021, citing positive steps by Lebanon. The move ends a years-long diplomatic rift tied to Hezbollah influence and regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey are advancing a cross-border railway corridor linking Mecca to Istanbul, with potential extensions to Jordan, Syria and beyond. The plan aims to diversify economies and provide a land route to Europe, but experts say it will not replace sea transport for oil and bulk cargo. Feasibility tests on the Syria–Jordan–Iraq route have shown viability, with studies due by year’s end.
Tensions escalate between Washington and Riyadh after Saudi Arabia blocks U.S. use of its bases and airspace for Project Freedom, prompting a rethink of the U.S. Gulf military footprint even as officials insist the partnership remains strong.
Saudi Arabia has championed an international pledge to empower women in cybersecurity and strengthen cooperation on cyber policy at a UN Human Rights Council session. The resolution, submitted by Riyadh’s Geneva mission, builds on a 2020 crown prince initiative and aims to boost participation, skills development and safe digital environments worldwide.
Canada’s Mark Carney has arrived in Saudi Arabia to deepen economic ties, with a focus on mining, energy cooperation, and investment in AI and skills development. The visit follows a 2023 diplomatic reset and precedes a signing ceremony for commercial agreements worth over CAD 1 billion.
Paralives, an indie life-sim from Alex Masse, has gained traction since Steam early access in May 2026, selling 250,000 copies in a day and drawing attention as a potential ethical alternative to EA’s The Sims amid industry consolidation and AI costs. The creator aims for bold customization and performance improvements to appeal to fans seeking creativity over realism.
Senator Lindsey Graham has died at 71 after a "brief and sudden illness," his office has said. Graham had just returned from a visit to Kyiv and had met President Volodymyr Zelensky. Officials say a preliminary medical examiner found an aortic dissection; South Carolina's governor will appoint a temporary replacement ahead of November's elections.
Qatar has announced four days of national mourning after the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled from 1995 to 2013 and transformed the small emirate into a major regional power. Crowds and dignitaries have gathered in Lusail for funeral prayers and tributes, while the new emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, receives mourners and foreign leaders.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died after a career shaping US foreign policy. Axios reports he believed a Saudi-Israel normalization deal could anchor a regional settlement and help end Iran’s war, planning intensive diplomacy after Israel’s elections and the US midterms. He urged a swift move if diplomacy failed to reopen the Hormuz Strait.
The United Arab Emirates is pursuing a new port and container terminal on Fujairah’s east coast to reduce dependence on Jebel Ali and avoid the Strait of Hormuz. DP World is in talks to develop the site, with plans for a new multipurpose port and a terminal at the existing harbour, amid ongoing clashes linked to Iran’s attacks and U.S. and Israeli actions. Experts say the move signals a push for regional resilience as shipping routes face disruption.
Trump Media & Technology has unveiled Truth API, a paid low‑latency feed that will deliver real‑time posts from the platform’s top 10 accounts from Aug. 1. Executives discussed charging institutional customers up to $100,000 a month (or $60,000 on three‑year deals). Lawmakers, regulators and market participants have warned it will let traders profit from presidential posts and raise conflict‑of‑interest and market‑manipulation concerns.
Israel’s president has spoken of a dream for peace with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing rapprochement and direct talks with U.S. support. In a Riyadh interview and separate comments, he discusses broader regional goals, including potential ties with Lebanon and Syria, and notes concerns about Iran and the Gaza war.
The CBS News program 60 Minutes is undergoing a major personnel shakeup. Nick Bilton has announced five new hires, including Ross Douthat and Norah O’Donnell, along with Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips, to join as correspondents or contributors. The changes follow previous layoffs and leadership shifts under Bari Weiss’s editorship.
FIFA has proposed selling up to 20% of a new commercial arm, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to raise about $4.2bn and offer one‑off $20m payments to each of its 211 member associations. UEFA and several confederations have threatened boycotts, lodged legal and ethics warnings, and flagged potential arbitration over links to investors including Joshua Kushners firm.
The Iran conflict has escalated with threats of strikes and shifting diplomacy as both sides test red lines. U.S. officials warn of hard actions while Iran asserts control over Hormuz. A ceasefire cycle and domestic political pressures frame new steps as global oil markets react.
The US has finalised a 30‑year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia and has submitted it to Congress for review. The pact will allow US firms to help build Saudi nuclear power, could permit domestic uranium enrichment after a joint study, and has drawn warnings that it will increase proliferation risks and regional tensions.
The United States has signed a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia to expand civilian nuclear cooperation and potentially allow enrichment abroad. While officials promise high safeguards, experts warn of proliferation risks and uncertain oversight as Congress reviews the deals.
The United States has proposed a civilian nuclear partnership with Saudi Arabia, promising non-enriched facilities and no snap inspections. Critics warn it could trigger a regional nuclear race while allies voice concerns about proliferation and regional stability.
The CBS News division, led by Bari Weiss, has seen a wave of departures at 60 Minutes, including Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, Tanya Simon, and other veterans. Anderson Cooper has left, and Scott Pelley was fired, as the network faces internal tensions and questions about editorial direction. New hires across the program aim to stabilize coverage and restore trust amid ongoing changes and a larger merger dispute involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.
The coalition to protect Red Sea shipping is expanding as Saudi Arabia leads talks with dozens of countries. Britain has not yet joined the coalition but is weighing its response while warning of threats to maritime navigation.
US officials say negotiations between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are progressing and could restore free shipping soon. Markets react, with crude prices slipping as optimism grows that passage may reopen. Washington is stating there is no final agreement yet, while energy prices remain volatile amid regional tensions.
The US has called off a planned attack on Iran after allies and Iran recommended delaying further action to pursue negotiations. Talks are set to begin tomorrow with a focus on Hormuz and denuclearisation, while polls show waning support for continued conflict.
Six of Europe’s largest oil majors report combined Q2 profits around $22.7 billion; Aramco posts about $33.4 billion in net income. The war-driven supply disruption has kept oil prices high, with downstream costs rising for consumers. A potential easing of tensions could unlock shipped oil, but uncertainty remains.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, has completed a $55 billion deal to take Electronic Arts private. The move delists EA from Nasdaq and carries $20 billion in debt. Analysts expect a focus on core franchises and potential cost-cutting under new ownership, with attention on how this reshapes the company’s strategy and workforce.
Iraq’s prime minister has pledged to bring armed groups under state control by Sept. 30 amid regional tensions. US-Saudi strikes target PMF sites, intensifying debates over sovereignty and disarmament as Tehran-aligned factions resist restrictions and border tensions rise.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, pledging that an armed attack on any member will be treated as an attack on all. Leaders attended the signing in Mecca. Officials say the pact is defensive, open to other states, and builds on Saudi–Pakistan ties as regional fighting continues.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a mutual defence framework. The pact treats an armed attack on any member as an attack on all, while stopping short of detailing automatic troop deployment. It builds on prior defense ties and signals a move toward a more regionally driven security order amid heightened Gulf tensions and Iran-Israel dynamics.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has set new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the United States end threats, withdraw naval forces, lift sanctions, compensate Tehran, and unconditionally release assets. Tehran ties the waterway’s reopening to Washington’s compliance, while Oman mediates amid ongoing talks. Several affidavits note Tehran’s six-point plan clashes with the June memorandum.