Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high as Iran reported a foreign container ship ran aground after allegedly ignoring its designated shipping route through the strategic waterway. The incident comes as US and Iranian officials prepare for another round of indirect technical talks in Doha aimed at advancing their memorandum of understanding. Meanwhile, Iran's state broadcaster has drawn criticism after cutting short an interview with the country's chief negotiator discussing sanctions, oil exports and nuclear inspections. Follow our live updates: 06:57 AM, 2 July 2026We are closing this coverage now. For the latest updates, click here.05:31 AM, 2 July 2026US, Iran agree to establish communication channel
US President Donald Trump said that indirect talks with Iran in Qatar were "making progress", offering a tentative sign that diplomacy was holding after recent exchanges of fire threatened efforts to end the Middle East war.Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led Tehran's delegation, later said the talks had concluded and that the sides had agreed to establish a communication channel by Thursday to report and record violations of their initial memorandum of understanding.Iran had insisted there would be no direct negotiations in Doha on the deal, which aims to end the war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February."As far as things are going, the denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.05:28 AM, 2 July 2026Israel-Hezbollah front 'quiet'
