Tasnim News Agency cited local Syrian sources saying Israeli army artillery struck Syrian-held heights near Damascus.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Ansari said on Aug. 25 that U.S. sanctions on Iran are unilateral, not U.N. or multilateral measures, and should be questioned by those who imposed them. He urged international pressure on Israel to honour agreed plans, saying Israeli operations in Gaza, the West Bank and attacks on Syrian and Lebanese sovereignty demonstrate Israel is not a peace partner. Ansari added the ball is now in Israel’s court and said he has seen no positive progress toward diplomatic compliance.

Hang Seng Index futures' night session closed down 0.21% at 25,615, trading 38 points below the spot index.