Adam Fulton

Andy Burnham called in military support, temporarily banned disposable barbecues and promised additional resources for fire and rescue services as wildfires destroyed homes in the West Midlands. He warned that flooding could follow the prolonged heatwave, while climate groups criticized him for not directly addressing the climate crisis and Ed Davey called for a renewed emergency Cobra meeting. Nigel Farage won the Clacton byelection but boycotted the count, citing an alleged plot to embarrass him; Essex police said there had been no incidents and that attendance was a matter for candidates and their security teams. The live blog also covered criticism of the appointment process for Norfolk County Council’s incoming chief executive and deteriorating UK-Israel relations.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia's remote Chocó region, killing at least 110 people, injuring many more and leaving thousands reported missing. Pereira, Cali, Chocó and nearby areas suffered collapsed buildings, damaged hospitals and infrastructure, airport closures and communications outages. Search teams, volunteers and emergency workers continued looking for survivors trapped under rubble, while President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and promised aid and temporary housing support. The United States pledged $15.5 million for shelter, food, protection and assessments, and other Latin American and European governments offered assistance.

Donald Trump says the United States has reached an understanding with Israel on a plan involving Hamas’s complete disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but he does not clarify which must happen first. Israel has not formally accepted the proposal, with officials demanding genuine disarmament before withdrawal, while Hamas says it will surrender heavy weapons only alongside an Israeli pullout, an end to attacks and the entry of a new Gaza administration and international force. The United Nations and European Union cautiously welcome the plan, but major implementation obstacles remain. Trump also threatens to hit Iran hard as negotiations deteriorate, while fighting and civilian harm continue across Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.

Iraq denied prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces inside Iraqi territory, contradicting Donald Trump’s claim that the attacks were coordinated with Baghdad. The live coverage also reported escalating regional hostilities, including Iranian attacks on US facilities, US strikes on Iran, threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, and Saudi preparations for action against Yemen’s Houthis. Separately, Trump announced a Gaza agreement involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but Hamas said disarmament would follow Israeli compliance and withdrawal, while an Israeli official said the proposal did not meet Israel’s demand for complete demilitarisation. Pakistan said US-Iran negotiations remained ongoing despite the strikes.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written assurances that the Justice Department would abandon a proposed $1.776 billion settlement benefiting Trump and would not shield the president and his family from future IRS scrutiny. The coverage also follows Trump’s threats to intensify attacks on Iran, discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu about diplomacy, economic pressure or military action against Iran’s nuclear program, and a Senate resolution opposing clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. Other developments include Anthony Fauci’s refusal to answer questions under the Fifth Amendment, legal challenges by James Comey and Trump in separate cases, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, Barack Obama’s endorsement of Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek, and Trump’s proposed $22 billion redevelopment of Washington Dulles airport.

The United States carried out its 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military command centers, drone facilities, communications networks and coastal surveillance sites. UN secretary general António Guterres warned that the Middle East was approaching “the edge of the unimaginable” as the conflict widened, while Donald Trump said he was considering a much larger attack and threatened Iran with punishment over Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. The escalation disrupted shipping through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel and contributed to sharp falls in Asian stock markets. Washington also tied a proposed Saudi civilian nuclear agreement to Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel, despite Saudi resistance absent progress on Palestinian statehood. Iran reportedly rejected a US ceasefire proposal, while the UK said it remained ready to defend itself after threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Rights groups warned that Iran could intensify executions of political prisoners, and casualty figures for US service members were disputed after the Pentagon’s tally was revised downward.

The United States completed its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and other military facilities, while President Donald Trump threatened further action against the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the war has cost the US $37.5bn, with more than 500 US personnel wounded and 18 service members killed. Iran reported strikes and casualties and warned that attacks on nuclear or sensitive facilities would trigger a wider regional escalation. Yemen’s Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi-linked shipping at the Bab el-Mandeb, prompting tanker rerouting and raising concerns about disruption at two major maritime chokepoints. Oil prices rose above $90 a barrel. Trump also said US airlines would be allowed to resume direct flights to Lebanon, while the US confirmed the death of another service member in Jordan.

US forces launched a ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran amid rising regional hostilities and stalled efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement. The actions follow the deaths of three US service members in Iraq and Jordan during Iranian-linked attacks. Iran reported extensive damage from recent US strikes and retaliated with attacks in Syria, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Regional militaries in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel reported responding to or intercepting drones and missiles as tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz. Confirmed US military fatalities since the conflict began reached 17, while Iran reported dozens killed and hundreds wounded in recent strikes.

A US service member was killed in northern Iraq during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone, while another was wounded; the incident followed an Iranian attack in Jordan that killed two US troops and left one missing. The United States launched further strikes against Iran and reportedly moved additional warplanes to the region, raising fears of a broader conflict. Iran accused Washington of attacking the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear plant, a claim not independently verified; the IAEA said the site contained no nuclear material and urged restraint. Iranian attacks or alleged attacks also affected Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts continued as Marco Rubio met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who is expected to meet Donald Trump to discuss a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The United States said it had completed another wave of strikes against Iranian command centers, air defenses, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island. Iran reported at least seven troops killed and more than 260 people injured in recent US attacks, while claiming retaliatory drone and missile strikes against US-linked facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. The US also disabled an oil tanker it said was attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports. Donald Trump threatened further attacks, including against bridges and power plants, while Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would not honor an understanding with Washington without tangible benefits. The escalation follows the apparent collapse of a ceasefire and raises fears of a return to full-scale regional war; a detained dual US-Iranian citizen was meanwhile allowed to leave Iran.

US forces carried out a fourth consecutive day of strikes against Iranian military, missile, drone and coastal-defense sites while reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain, a US logistics center in Kuwait and an American base in Jordan, while Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones and Bahrain issued sirens. The claims could not be independently verified. Donald Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants and bridges unless Tehran returned to negotiations, while Iran said the blockade undermined the interim agreement. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, caused casualties among commercial crews, pushed oil prices higher and drawn criticism from US Democrats and UN officials over civilian risks and the absence of a clear war authorization or exit strategy.

The United States completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military and maritime targets, including coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and facilities near several ports and Gulf islands. Iran reported explosions and casualties in multiple provinces and claimed attacks on US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates said Iranian missiles struck two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and injuring eight. Donald Trump said the US would reinstate a maritime blockade of Iran and charge vessels a 20% fee for protection while claiming that a deal with Tehran remained possible. The developments have sharply reduced shipping through the strait and pushed oil prices higher, while the International Maritime Organization warned that tolls would violate freedom-of-navigation norms and further escalate economic disruption.

Europe is experiencing an exceptionally intense heatwave, with France recording a national high of 44.3C and reporting 40 drownings since 18 June. The UK could reach 39C, prompting red heat warnings, school closures and transport precautions, while Spain and Italy have issued severe alerts. Authorities and humanitarian organizations warn of serious risks to vulnerable people, and museums, airports, rail operators and businesses are adapting to the conditions. Scientists say climate change is increasing heat stress and project that England could experience temperatures of 45C during a comparable 2056 heat event.

US Vice-President JD Vance said US-Iran talks in Switzerland had established a strong foundation for a final agreement aimed at ending the war and Iran’s nuclear programme, while acknowledging that major issues remain unresolved. Iran said it made no new nuclear commitments and would coordinate with the IAEA only under existing procedures and domestic approval. The US temporarily suspended sanctions on Iranian crude-oil transactions through 21 August, citing progress on Hormuz shipping and possible inspections, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to visit Gulf states. Regional developments included reported progress toward ending Israel’s war in Lebanon, extensive damage in southern Lebanon, continuing violence in Gaza despite a ceasefire, and diplomatic travel by Iran’s president and senior negotiators.

Israel and Hezbollah reportedly agreed to renew a ceasefire in Lebanon at 4pm local time, after Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people and wounded 97, while four Israeli soldiers were also reported killed. Donald Trump said he urged Israel to accept the truce, but the IDF said it would continue operating in southern Lebanon until receiving new orders. The escalation contributed to the cancellation of planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland, raising uncertainty over negotiations intended to implement a provisional peace memorandum and address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Lebanon called a comprehensive ceasefire essential for further talks, while the US reiterated its demand that Hezbollah disarm. The live coverage also reported European consideration of trade measures against illegal West Bank settlements, Iranian restrictions on nuclear inspections, and Barack Obama’s criticism that the US is worse off after the war.

The United States and Iran have signed an agreement intended to end the Middle East war, with JD Vance saying a 60-day period for negotiating a final deal has begun. Donald Trump called for a complete ceasefire involving Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the US would resume military action and restore its blockade if Iran failed to comply. Despite the agreement, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed three people and Hezbollah reported clashes with Israeli forces. The US has ended its Strait of Hormuz blockade, allowing ships to transit, while Iran may impose charges after 60 days. The deal has produced mixed reactions, strained US-Israel relations and intensified disputes between Israel and EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas over Gaza and alleged apartheid comparisons.

Donald Trump and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding intended to end the US-Israel war on Iran, with the agreement taking immediate effect according to Iran and Pakistan. It establishes a permanent halt to military operations, including in Lebanon, and gives Washington and Tehran 60 days to negotiate a final accord covering Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran agreed to down-blend its enriched uranium, while the US offered an immediate waiver for Iranian oil exports and further economic concessions. Oil prices fell and Asian stocks remained broadly steady on hopes that the waterway would reopen, although prices later rose after Trump threatened renewed attacks if Iran violated the deal. The agreement remains controversial and opaque, with Israel excluded from the final text, Iranian and US accounts differing over implementation, and Republican senators accusing Trump of abandoning his original objectives.

Donald Trump says Iran has agreed never to possess a nuclear weapon under a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, although the text has not been publicly released and officials indicate that key nuclear issues remain subject to further negotiations. The agreement reportedly includes a ceasefire covering Lebanon and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel says its forces will remain in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria. Hezbollah and Israeli forces continued exchanging fire in southern Lebanon despite the announced deal. JD Vance said international nuclear inspectors would return to Iran, while reports of a possible $300bn investment fund for Iran were denied by Trump. Oil prices fell and markets rose on hopes of de-escalation, but questions remain over enforcement, sanctions relief, Israel’s military presence and the agreement’s impact on the region.

US Central Command said American forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones that threatened commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, while traffic remained open. Washington and Tehran continued to signal progress toward an interim peace memorandum, but they disagreed over key terms, including Iran’s nuclear program, control of the strait, sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets. Iran said the deal would include an end to the war in Lebanon, whereas Israel rejected withdrawal from its security zones. Hezbollah and Israel continued fighting in southern Lebanon, while global oil prices fell on hopes of a deal. Conflicting public claims left the agreement’s prospects uncertain.

Donald Trump said the United States was cancelling planned airstrikes on Iran because he claimed Tehran had approved a major agreement that could be signed in Europe as soon as the weekend. Iran’s foreign ministry denied that a final decision had been made and said Washington had repeatedly changed its positions, while Israel said it was not party to the emerging memorandum but welcomed proposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and support for regional proxies. Hopes of a deal drove oil prices to two-month lows and triggered an Asian stock-market rally, although the Strait of Hormuz remained contested: Iranian forces stopped a tanker, and US forces reportedly shot down two Iranian drones. The conflict also continued in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes wounded hospital staff, while India protested the deaths of three seafarers in US strikes. The World Bank lowered its global growth forecast, warning that the war’s energy and economic effects would fall especially heavily on developing countries.