West Asia War LIVE: Hormuz ship strike suspends UN sailor rescue; IAEA chief demands robust nuclear oversight for Iran

A vessel attack in the Strait of Hormuz has forced the UN to call off its evacuation bid for stranded mariners, even as U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the West Asia war continue. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has underscored that a robust nuclear verification framework for Iran is indispensable once the conflict ends. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, wrapping up a West Asia tour, has sought to reassure Gulf Arab allies that their security interests will be at the heart of any final deal with Tehran.

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June 26, 2026 11:30
IAEA chief: Iran will need 'very strong' nuclear verification system after the war
Ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons after the Middle East conflict will require a "very strong" verification framework to be put in place, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Friday. The remarks by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi come as the United States and Iran conduct broader negotiations to bring the war to a close, with Tehran's nuclear programme remaining among the most contentious points on the table. "The objective of this recent U.S.-Iran agreement, as I understand it, is to guarantee that nuclear weapons are not developed in Iran. Iran's government has stated very clearly that this is not its intention," Mr. Grossi told reporters in Japan. "Intentions, however, are simply not sufficient. A very strong verification system must be established — and this needs to happen as soon as practically possible," the IAEA chief said. Mr. Grossi further noted that the watchdog had "barely begun" discussions with Iran — following Iran's preliminary agreement with the United States — on what should be done with Tehran's existing stockpile of enriched uranium. -AFP
June 26, 2026 10:56
Analysts: Netanyahu may emerge as the biggest casualty of the U.S.-Iran deal
Analysts suggest that the primary victim of the U.S.-Iran deal may not be Israel's strategy toward Iran. Rather, it is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu whose political clout and ability to shape Israel's relationship with the United States stand to take the hardest hit from the agreement.
June 26, 2026 10:55
Iran warns vessels of consequences for crossing Hormuz without authorisation
Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Thursday (June 25, 2026) issued a stern warning that any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without proper authorisation would face repercussions. The alert came amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
June 26, 2026 10:54
Rubio assures Gulf allies their security will be central to any Iran agreement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (June 25) offered reassurances to Gulf Arab partner nations that any deal ultimately reached with Iran would fully factor in their regional interests. The remarks came as he concluded a West Asia visit aimed at presenting the Trump administration's preliminary Iran accord to regional allies who have remained sceptical of the agreement. Rubio moved to address Gulf partners' concerns over concessions under discussion in the U.S.-Iran talks, emphasising that their security would be a top priority in any eventual outcome.
June 26, 2026 10:51
IAEA chief calls for 'very strong' nuclear verification in Iran once war ends
Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons after the West Asia conflict will require a "very strong" verification mechanism to be established, the chief of the UN's nuclear oversight body said on Friday (June 26). "As I see it, the goal of this recent U.S.-Iran agreement is to ensure that nuclear weapons are not produced in Iran. Iran's government has made it entirely clear that this is not its intention," Rafael Grossi told journalists in Japan. "Yet intentions alone are not sufficient. A very strong verification structure must be put in place on the ground — and at the earliest possible opportunity," Mr. Grossi said.
June 26, 2026 10:49
Ship struck in Hormuz Strait forces UN to suspend evacuation of stranded sailors
An attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday (June 26) forced the United Nations to suspend its ongoing efforts to bring stranded mariners to safety. At the same time, the United States cautioned Iran against levying fees on ships navigating the strategically vital waterway. The New York Times and several other American news organisations reported that Iran had targeted a container ship within the strait. Shortly after the incident, an Iranian body claiming regulatory authority over traffic in the waterway issued a public alert. "Any transit through routes not sanctioned by PGSA will not be afforded safe passage protections," the Persian Gulf Strait Authority posted on X. - AFP