Riyadh takes Hormuz routes to Paris as Beirut brings the Unifil gap to Rome
Mohammed bin Salman will discuss energy and logistics routes around Hormuz in Paris. Aoun sought Rome's support for the post-Unifil period as two US tankers left Bezmer.
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Mohammed bin Salman will discuss routes around Hormuz in Paris
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman travelled to Paris to discuss energy and logistics routes with Emmanuel Macron. The National reported that maritime lanes, pipelines and regional rail projects were on the agenda as the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed by the war between the United States and Iran. The leaders were due to convene the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council for the first time. A delegation of 7 ministers accompanied the crown prince, with agreements expected in technology, transport, energy and health. Officials said the talks would also cover conflicts involving Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.[1]
Aoun sought Italy's support for the post-Unifil arrangement
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed security arrangements for southern Lebanon after Unifil's planned departure by 31 December 2026 with Giorgia Meloni. The National reported that Italy has the largest European contingent in the UN force and is planning a Nato-backed successor with France and other European countries. The United States and Israel oppose that option and propose a US-led force, while Aoun wants the European-backed body to work alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces. Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel have focused on pilot zones where Israeli forces would withdraw and the Lebanese army would assume control.[2]
US tankers ended their temporary deployment at Bezmer
Bulgarian defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov said two US KC-135 tanker aircraft left Bezmer air base on Friday. Parliament approved the temporary deployment on 22 July, prompting Iran to accuse Bulgaria of complicity in aggression and residents near the base to protest. The Straits Times reported that Stoyanov said every flight during the stay had been a training mission over allied countries and that Bulgaria had no information about a direct threat to its national security. He said Sofia acted in full coordination with the US government and again rejected Tehran's accusation.[3]
