Diplomacy stalls across Middle East as Iran flags plan for Hormuz

Across the Middle East, diplomatic efforts are stalling. Iran is denying US claims of direct negotiations, issuing fresh threats against warships attempting to enforce a new shipping route through the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues to exact a devastating human toll, with the UN describing July as the deadliest month there this year and in Lebanon, another fragile ceasefire is facing a fresh test.