Monday 10 August 2026 07:30 UTC
US Leans on Iran Blockade as Hormuz Talks Remain Stalled
In the 24 hours ending 10 August at 07:30 UTC, US pressure on Iran focused on economic damage. Donald Trump, the US president, said he was avoiding major new military operations. He wants the naval blockade to weaken Iran’s economy.
Trump could end the war without a nuclear agreement if Iran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Talks remain stalled over Iran’s demands. Tehran wants the blockade and war ended, sanctions removed and frozen funds released. It also seeks a US military withdrawal and payment for war damage.
US forces have now redirected 55 commercial vessels under the Iran blockade. They have boarded two vessels and disabled two others. Oil prices rose more than one dollar as uncertainty over Hormuz continued.
The United States pressed Israel to avoid further escalation with Iran, Gaza and Lebanon. Israel warned that it would attack if Iran advances its nuclear or missile programs.
Israel also rejected Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, ruled out a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank during his leadership.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are developing their defence alliance as protection against Iran. The three countries signed a joint defence agreement last week.
Iran plans to release footage of Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, meeting military commanders. He has not appeared publicly since taking power in March. His long absence has raised questions about his health.
Russia began returning specialists to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant. The team has reached 25 people and could grow to 100 by autumn.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed armed group in Yemen, fired 30 ballistic missiles at targets around Mokha. Government forces also said they destroyed 15 Houthi drones. A separate Houthi attack hit cargo shortly after its arrival at Mocha Port.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, about 1,000 kilometres from the front. Another attack destroyed a power station in Russian-occupied Donetsk.
Lockheed and Raytheon are resisting Ukrainian production of Patriot missiles under licence. They fear Ukrainian companies could improve the system and build it faster and more cheaply.
Cameras on new British military boats sent operating data to an internet address in China. The boats have been used by the Royal Marines since March. Their cameras contained Chinese-made parts.
Apple is testing memory chips from Chinese company CXMT. AI demand has reduced global supplies and increased prices. Apple may use the chips in devices sold inside China.