News

According to Iran's Fars News Agency, Bulgaria claims that a Ukrainian drone attacked the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline this morning, which carries Russian gas to Europe via Türkiye.

Qatar University scholar Al-Etaibi points out that Gulf states are deeply concerned about Iran's demand for compensation in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He believes that Iran views its negotiations with Oman on navigation in the strait as an extension of its game against the US, aiming to demand compensation for the US's violation of the memorandum of understanding. "What is the cost of reopening the waterway? Is it unfreezing assets in exchange for freedom of navigation? This is not a matter of principle, but rather a negotiating card played by Iran against the US and the region," he warns. He warns that if Iran demands money for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, "it may come back in a month or two demanding more funds to reopen it," leading to endless negotiations that erode trust and freedom of navigation. He advocates for the resumption of direct dialogue between the US and Iran, in addition to the Iran-Aman negotiations, and for seeking a compromise on asset unfreezing and strait management. Although Gulf states welcome the progress of the Iran-Aman negotiations, their options are extremely limited in the face of Iran's compensation demands. Al-Etaibi states that all parties are positive about the Iran-Aman negotiations, hoping to reaffirm freedom of navigation. However, he warns that Iran's use of freedom of navigation as a "bargaining chip" is a dangerous signal for the Gulf states. He admitted that the Gulf states "are unwilling to use force and can only defend themselves and their sovereignty," thus their options are extremely limited. Iran said on Saturday that it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman, but emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz depended on Washington accepting Tehran's conditions (including compensation). Given the Gulf's heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas exports, this stalemate has left the countries feeling deeply passive.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the Kermadec Islands at a depth of 10 kilometers.

U.S. Central Command: As of August 8, U.S. Central Command had intercepted and forced 53 merchant ships to change course, two of which were rendered incapable of navigation, and two others were boarded and inspected. Meanwhile, the U.S. military allowed nearly 35 ships to pass through the blockade to conduct humanitarian relief operations.

U.S. Central Command: The U.S. Navy is conducting maintenance on F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to ensure the carrier strike group assets remain operational and to carry out the U.S. maritime blockade mission against Iran.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Ukraine will receive “very strong” security guarantees from the United States after the war ends.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Serbia is a sovereign state and its integration into the European Union should be promoted as much as possible.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Serbia is not "Little Russia"; that's Russian political rhetoric.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: (Regarding Serbia) I believe Serbia is currently on the path to rebuilding its independence and freeing itself from Russian influence.

Russian State Duma deputy: The Middle East is gradually breaking free from Western control and becoming part of a broader Eurasian security system.

According to Israel's Channel 13: Israel continues to prepare for the possibility of launching a new, independent attack on Iran without U.S. support.

Turkish Foreign Minister: Türkiye has conveyed to Russia and Ukraine that they should cease their attacks in the Black Sea.

According to Israel's Channel 12: Israeli officials say the United States is limiting our options and pushing us into a predicament over Gaza.

Market news: The commander of the U.S. Central Command will discuss the second phase of the Gaza transition during his visit to Israel.

Market news: The commander of U.S. Central Command has arrived in Israel and will hold talks with senior Israeli military officials.

Ali Akbar Darani, a researcher at the Iranian Center for Strategic Studies, said that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement on the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, with the main obstacle being US pressure on Oman to adopt a more aligned stance with Washington. Darani stated that Iran considers future control of the strait crucial to its national security. This comes after months of US strikes against Iran, which Iran claims originated from bases in the region. Darani said the ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman offer the US a “good opportunity to get out of this quagmire” by acknowledging that Iran and Oman are the countries that will determine the “future” of the Strait of Hormuz. “But the Strait of Hormuz can never return to its pre-war state,” he continued. “The geopolitics of the region has changed.”

Federal Reserve Governor Bowman's participation in a fireside chat will be announced in ten minutes.

US Vice President Vance: Iran has informed the United States that it will allow the maximum flow of oil through the Strait, but we do not trust them.

US Vice President Vance: The United States will continue to exert pressure on Iran.

U.S. Vice President Vance: The United States is working to establish a safe passage route that will allow ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.