Over the past 24 hours, the Middle East has witnessed a series of rapid developments ranging from military escalation to diplomatic moves, amid the continued Israeli war on Gaza and US-Iranian tensions. Below are the highlights reported in the 'World' section of the 'Ajel' website.

US-Iranian Escalation and Ways to Contain It

In a scene reflecting rising tensions in the Gulf, US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to target Iranian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants in response to any potential attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He affirmed that the US response would be 'more severe and harsher' than before, while the Iranian Ministry of Health revealed that the death toll from US attacks that began on June 27 had reached 53 dead and 592 wounded.

On the other side, Baghdad is moving to calm the atmosphere through diplomacy, as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visits Tehran on Thursday, carrying files on cooperation in energy and gas, as well as regional developments. The Iraqi government seeks to support diplomatic solutions in the region, according to its official spokesperson.

In a related context, Dover Air Force Base in the US is hosting a ceremony to receive the bodies of four soldiers killed in confrontations with Iran, raising the number of US deaths in the war with Iran to 18 soldiers.

Al-Zaidi to Tehran on Thursday; Gas and Regional Escalation on the Table

Iran: Death Toll from US Attacks Reaches 53 Since June 27

Trump Threatens to Bomb Iranian Infrastructure in Response to Any Attack in the Strait of Hormuz

What Do We Know About the US Soldiers Recently Killed in the War with Iran?

Gaza: Dead and Prisoners Amid Violations of the Ceasefire Agreement

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025 continued. On the same day, two Palestinians were killed and others injured by Israeli fire, including a drone strike targeting a tent for displaced people west of the Nuseirat camp, while a third Palestinian died from previous injuries.

In response, Israel released 35 Palestinian prisoners from the Strip via the Kerem Shalom crossing, and they were transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for medical examinations, after their detention period in Israeli prisons.

Release of 35 Palestinian Prisoners from the Gaza Strip via Kerem Shalom Crossing

Gaza: Two Palestinians Killed and Others Injured by Israeli Fire and Shelling

Lebanon and Syria: Heritage Protection and Trials of the Deposed

On the Lebanese front, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee listed the historic city of Tyre in southern Lebanon on the List of World Heritage in Danger, after it was damaged by an Israeli strike on June 7 and due to the ongoing risk of attacks. The decision came in response to a request from the Lebanese government.

In Syria, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani discussed bilateral relations and enhancing coordination on Arab issues with Palestinian President Yasser Abbas's advisor. In another matter, the third session of the trial of Wasim al-Assad, the cousin of the deposed president, accused of trafficking in Captagon drugs, was postponed to July 29 at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus.

Also, Al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria witnessed tensions and Arab protests over new administrative appointments, as protesters intercepted the governor's motorcade in Ras al-Ayn.

UNESCO Adds Lebanese Tyre Ruins to List of World Heritage in Danger

Syria: al-Shibani Discusses Enhancing Coordination with Palestinian President's Advisor

Wasim al-Assad's Trial Postponed to July 29

Appointments in Hasakah Anger Arab Tribes and Fuel Protests

International Files: Israel, Libya, Turkey, and France

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to form a 'broad and stable' government if he wins the upcoming elections, acknowledging that the country faces many challenges.

In Libya, political parties at their first conference in Sirte called for unifying state institutions and holding presidential and parliamentary elections based on a consensual constitutional basis to restore stability.

In Turkey, Ozgur Ozel, the resigned head of the Republican People's Party, is racing against time to announce his new party, after a court invalidated the party's congress, leading to a split in the opposition.

In France, two firefighters died in a fire that broke out near Bordeaux-Merignac Airport, amid rising temperatures that increase the risk of fires.

Netanyahu Pledges to Form 'Broad and Stable' Government if He Wins Elections

Two Firefighters Killed in Fire Near Bordeaux Airport in France

Libyan Parties Call for Unifying Institutions and Holding Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

Ozgur Ozel Accelerates Launch of His New Party Amid Turkish Opposition Divisions

Today's scene combines potential military escalation in the Gulf and the ongoing war in Gaza, with Iraqi, Lebanese, and Syrian diplomatic moves, and political developments in Israel, Libya, and Turkey. The region remains on the brink of changes that may affect regional and international stability.