Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: July 26, 2025
Trump says Hamas ‘didn’t want’ Gaza deal as talks break down
President Trump blamed Hamas for the collapse of ceasefire talks, stating they “didn’t really want to make a deal” on a hostage release and ceasefire, accusing the group of rejecting negotiations.
Insight
Trump’s remarks underscore his alignment with Israel’s hardline stance and reject diplomatic compromise, likely hardening U.S. policy and signaling reduced appetite for negotiation leverage in mediating the Gaza conflict.
Trump says French recognition of Palestinian state ‘doesn’t carry weight’
Trump dismissed France’s move to recognize Palestinian statehood, saying: “He’s a very good guy…I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight,” effectively rejecting Macron’s initiative.
Insight
The comment reflects a unilateral U.S. posture on Middle East diplomacy and undermines European efforts toward symbolic recognition; it suggests U.S. influence remains dominant in shaping policy direction.
UK backs future Palestinian statehood but only as part of peace deal
UK Prime Minister Starmer said Britain may formally recognize a Palestinian state but only within the framework of a negotiated peace deal, prioritizing a ceasefire in Gaza above formal recognition.
Insight
The policy illustrates pragmatic diplomacy: supporting eventual statehood while endorsing ceasefire and peace negotiations first; it signals divergence with France’s unilateral recognition and a cautious UK stance.
Gaza mediators Qatar, Egypt carry on with ‘intensive efforts’: joint statement
In a joint statement, Qatar and Egypt pledged to press on with “intensive” mediation efforts aimed at ending the Gaza war, securing humanitarian relief, and negotiating detainee exchanges.
Insight
Their persistence highlights the central role of regional diplomacy even amid stalemate; it underscores ongoing mediation momentum and regional ownership in seeking a ceasefire and humanitarian breakthrough.
Syria, US and France agree to engage in efforts to support Syria’s transition
Representatives from Syria, the U.S., and France met in Paris to hold “very frank and productive” discussions on Syria’s political transition, stressing unity, territorial integrity, and accountability for violence.
Insight
The renewed cooperation marks a diplomatic pivot following recent clashes and ceasefires; it signals gradual international re-engagement and reinforces transitional governance frameworks for Syria.
Iran and Europeans hold ‘frank’ nuclear talks with UN sanctions looming
Iran held its first face‑to‑face nuclear talks with European powers since recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, described as “serious, frank and detailed”, amid looming Un sanctions re‑imposition via snapback if no progress is made by end‑August.
Insight
The meetings reflect diplomatic urgency: Europe pushes for transparency and IAEA cooperation to avoid automatic sanctions reinstatement, while Iran resists extending the 2015 deal—all under a tight deadline ahead.
