Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: July 7, 2025
BRICS Leaders Condemn Attacks on Iran, Tell Israel to Leave Gaza
At the Rio summit, BRICS denounced U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza, seeking just, lasting Middle Eastern peace.
Insight
This marks BRICS’ deepening geopolitical reach beyond economics, portraying itself as arbiter in global conflicts and underscoring rising divide with Western positions.
Hamas, Israel resume talks as Netanyahu set to meet Trump
Indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel resumed in Doha on Sunday, aiming to broker a truce and hostages–prisoner exchange as Prime Minister Netanyahu travels to Washington to meet former President Trump, who described a “good chance” of a deal this week. (thedefensepost.com)
Insight
The coordination of Doha negotiations with Netanyahu’s meeting in Washington highlights a dual-track diplomatic push. The involvement of Trump underscores U.S. influence and urgency in seeking a breakthrough this week.
Iran’s supreme leader appears in public for first time since Israeli attack
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei made his first public appearance on July 6 at a Muharram ceremony in Tehran, ending speculation over his health since Israel’s strikes mid-June. He also shifted his tone, invoking nationalist themes in addition to religious ones.
Insight
Khamenei’s appearance signals renewed leadership stability and reclaiming narrative control. The nationalist framing may aim to solidify domestic cohesion following the turmoil of the June strikes.
Russia’s Lavrov meets Iran’s Araqchi, renews offer to help solve conflict
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to reaffirm Moscow’s willingness to mediate in the Middle East crisis, including the Israel–Hamas conflict, and coordinate diplomatic efforts.
Insight
Russia is positioning itself as a key diplomatic broker in the Middle East, balancing its strategic ties with both Iran and global powers, and seeking to enhance its geopolitical influence.
