US Iran War Live Updates: Iraq closes Shalamcheh border with Iran; Israel-Lebanon talks postponed, tell me about this news in (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/us-iran-war-live-updates-houthis-seize-red-sea-islands-irgc-attacks-us-oil-prices-hike-middle-east-latest-news/liveblog/134091078.cms)
12-09-2026
Here is a summary of the key developments reported in that news update:Iraq Closes Border and Investigates Drone Strikes
- Border Closure: Iraq ordered the precautionary closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West crude oil pipeline.
- Domestic Action: Saudi Arabia reported that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory. In response, Baghdad launched a wide-scale security operation, opened an official investigation, and dismissed an Iraqi military operations commander in southern Maysan province.
- Rescheduled to October: Diplomatic discussions between Israel and Lebanon, initially scheduled to take place in Rome, have been postponed to October.
- Reason for Delay: Scheduling conflicts, including upcoming Jewish holidays, an international conference in Paris, and preparations for the United Nations General Assembly, prevented delegates from convening in Rome as planned.
- Saudi Pipeline Shutdown: Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure after drone strikes caused significant damage to a key pumping station.
- Houthi Territorial Moves: Yemen-based Houthi forces reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, escalating threats to Red Sea commercial shipping while transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted.
- Maritime Talks in Oman: Gulf foreign ministers scheduled discussions with Iran in Salalah, Oman, to explore temporary framework agreements for commercial shipping security.
- Defense Consultations: Officials from Turkey and Pakistan engaged in diplomatic and security talks with Saudi Arabia, addressing regional defense commitments following cross-border strikes.