Nevertheless, an intervention by Trump's former War Secretary causes surprise, as he emphasizes that it is a fact that Iran has the upper hand both in Hormuz and in the war. Reports that US Admiral Brad Cooper pressured Israel to end conflicts in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza are causing a sensation.
Show of force – Iran to regulate navigation in Hormuz, bars US and Israel from passage
Iran approved a new bill for the Strait of Hormuz, which includes an entry ban on American and Israeli ships, representing a show of force by Iran against the slipping American military machine. "The bill on 'Strategic Measures to Ensure the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz' was approved by the parliament's National Security Committee." The document contains provisions prohibiting the passage of ships from the United States, Israel, and other countries hostile to Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, the transport of any type of cargo through the strait will be prohibited if it is connected in any way to Israel. Violators will be subject to fines of up to 20% of the value of the transported cargo. The Iranian government, acting in cooperation with the armed forces, is responsible for maritime traffic regulation, monitoring ship movements, and ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Gulf News: High likelihood of attack on Iran in coming days – Oil prices rise again
Gulf News reported, citing the Joint Maritime Information Center, that the probability of a deliberate attack in the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days is considered very high! Meanwhile, according to Reuters, global oil prices increased by about $1 per barrel to $84, as uncertainty continued regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. And while uncertainty over Hormuz continues, Trump fired a White House legal counsel. The US president stated that he appointed Scharf as top White House legal counsel and that he will assume his duties on September 1. According to Politico, Scharf will replace current White House legal counsel David Warrington, who will transition to the private sector.
WSJ: Trump ready to abandon Iran nuclear deal if Hormuz Strait opens fully
US President Donald Trump is ready to abandon the pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran if Tehran fully opens the Strait of Hormuz for navigation. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing American officials.
Washington considers solution without nuclear agreement
According to the newspaper, Trump has discussed in recent weeks with his advisors the possibility of ending the conflict without a separate agreement on Iran's nuclear program. In Washington, officials assess that following the destruction of three key Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran will hardly be able to restore its nuclear program capabilities during the Trump presidency. At the same time, according to American officials' estimates, any new attempt by Iran to redevelop the program would be detected by US intelligence agencies.
New Iranian demands complicate negotiations
Negotiations to open the Strait of Hormuz, however, have become complicated following new demands submitted by Tehran. Iran demands: A definitive end to the war, An end to the US naval blockade, Withdrawal of US troops from the region, Lifting of sanctions, Unfreezing of Iranian assets, Payment of war reparations amounting to billions of dollars. Trump has stated in the past that no US taxpayer money will be paid to Iran.
Opening of the Strait in exchange
However, according to WSJ information, a potential agreement could provide for unfreezing part of Iranian assets and lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, provided Tehran opens the Strait of Hormuz completely. The Strait represents a critical choke point for international navigation and the global energy market, making its opening a key bargaining chip for Washington.
Gregory Brew: "Iran knows Trump wants to end the war"
Gregory Brew, an expert at Eurasia Group, argues that Tehran has realized Trump's desire to end the conflict. "The Iranians are absolutely certain that Trump wants to exit the war and that he is focused on opening the Strait. That is why they are negotiating hard," he characteristically stated.
Former Trump War Secretary: It is a fact that Iran has the upper hand in both Hormuz and the war
The War Secretary in the first Trump administration stated that the Iranians now have the upper hand, saying that Iranian leaders have gained confidence in their position in negotiations and the influence they possess through control of the Strait of Hormuz. This shows that they believe they hold the upper hand and think they are winning. And in reality, they are winning. That is exactly what we are facing now. Meanwhile, US Central Command reported that since resuming the naval blockade against Iran, they have diverted 55 commercial ships and stopped two. It also emphasized that more than 20 warships were deployed to the Middle East to support the implementation of sanctions against Iran. CNN criticizes Trump for demanding the "unconditional surrender of Iran." "Instead, Iran has tightened its demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz."
Major explosion and visible flames in Kumzar on Oman's Musandam Peninsula
A major explosion occurred and visible flames were seen at Kumzar on Oman's Musandam Peninsula. Flames were visible from afar over Omani waters and across a large part of Hormuz.
Channel 13 (Israel): US Admiral Brad Cooper pressured Israel to end conflicts on three fronts... Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza
Israeli channel Channel 13 reported that the United States has exerted pressure on Israel to move toward ending conflicts on all three active fronts: Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. According to the report, Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, conveyed this message during his trip to Israel on August 8 and 9, 2026. A senior Israeli military official described the US stance as: "Movement toward closing all three fronts." In the case of Iran, Israel has informed Washington that it intends to maintain the option of independent military action if intelligence indicates that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear capabilities or its ballistic missile arsenal. In Lebanon, Washington has pressured Israel to withdraw further from its positions in the southern Lebanon "buffer zone." In Gaza, the US is asking for progress toward the next phase of the agreement, as well as the deployment of the International Security Force (ISF).
Dennis Ross: Iran under pressure from blockade – Yet holds powerful leverage
"The Strait, the ability to threaten energy facilities in neighboring countries, and the knowledge that Donald Trump desperately wants to end the war." Former American negotiator Dennis Ross argues that Iran is under pressure from a blockade, but possesses significant leverage against its adversaries. As he wrote, Iran "is under pressure due to the blockade." However, as he points out, Tehran possesses significant negotiating weapons: the Strait, the capability to threaten energy facilities in neighboring countries, and the fact that it knows President Donald Trump is making intense efforts to end the war. "Therefore, Iran has set conditions for opening the Strait," Dennis Ross characteristically notes.
Ghalibaf to Mohsen Rezaei: The Islamic system is at a critical historical juncture
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf congratulated Mohsen Rezaei on his appointment as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. In his message, Ghalibaf states that the Islamic system today stands at one of the most critical moments in its history and plays a "unique role" in regional and global security and stability. As he notes, the appointment of Mohsen Rezaei as the Supreme Leader's representative to the Supreme National Security Council, as well as assuming his duties as secretary of the Council, reflect the trust of the Islamic Revolution leadership and the President of the Republic. Ghalibaf notes that Mohsen Rezaei's many years of service in war management, his effective presence in important positions within the Islamic system, including as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, as well as his dedication, expertise, and commitment, were undoubtedly the reasons for assigning this responsibility. "The Islamic system today stands at one of its most critical historical moments and plays a unique role in regional and global security and stability," he states. According to him, the world has now understood that Iran does not submit and that national unity and cohesion across all domains—popular, military, and diplomatic—under the leadership of the supreme religious leader of the Muslim world, can bring any enemy to its knees.
Alert over Donald Trump's golf club – NORAD intervention
Multiple aircraft violated the airspace over US President Donald Trump's golf club on Sunday evening, prompting mobilization by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). According to Iranian news agency IRNA and a report by Fox News, NORAD announced that it intercepted several aircraft over Donald Trump's Bedminster golf club in the state of New Jersey. NORAD F-16 fighter jets participated in the interception. The command announced that the aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted area. The incident occurs at a time when Donald Trump is expected to spend time at that specific golf club.
Mohsen Rezaei new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
Mohsen Rezaei was appointed secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. At the same time, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr was appointed political advisor to the Supreme Leader. According to the text of the decision by Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Zolghadr is appointed political advisor based on his valuable experience. The decision states: "Given your valuable experience, I hereby appoint you as my political advisor. I hope that you will succeed in exercising this responsibility and in advancing the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, under the guidance of our Lord, the Great Representative of God."
Axios: Trump chooses economic pressure over new war
According to Axios, Trump indicated on Sunday that he currently prefers to allow a further increase in economic pressure on Iran, rather than ordering the start of a new major military operation. The development carries particular significance, as just a week earlier the American president was reportedly close to a decision to resume large-scale military operations against Iran. However, in his conversation with Axios, he issued no new military threat. At the same time, Trump did not show particular anger or disappointment over the delay in announcing an agreement between Iran and Oman regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had presented a new list of demands on Saturday in order to allow the passage of ships through the Strait.
Hormuz agreement on ice
According to Axios, an agreement between Iran, Oman, and the US regarding the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been negotiated. The agreement has been expected for days to be finalized and officially announced. Under the new framework, Iran will gain limited maritime traffic control over passage through the Strait, a responsibility it did not possess prior to the war. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan appeared confident that the agreement would be announced on Wednesday. However, prospects for reaching an agreement have since dimmed.
Iran's new terms for opening the Strait
On Saturday, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, set new terms for opening the Strait of Hormuz that go beyond what was provided for in the agreement with Oman. According to his statement, to open the Strait, Iran demands that the US: Never threaten or insult Iran, "in any way and in any language." Definitively end the war against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Iraq. Lift the naval blockade and withdraw its military forces from the region around Iran. Pay full compensation for war damages. Abolish all sanctions. Release all frozen Iranian assets. Until a few weeks ago, these specific requirements were presented as prerequisites for a nuclear deal. Now, however, Iran sets them as conditions exclusively for opening the Strait of Hormuz.
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