Iran war update: August 5
- Iran and Oman are close to finalizing an agreement to share control of the Strait of Hormuz, the New York Times reported August 3. These negotiations appear to have the tacit blessing of the United States. Before the start of the war in February, maritime and air traffic were allowed by a United Nations Convention to use the strait. Ironically, the U.S. and Israel striking Iran could ultimately result in the latter increasing its power over the strait and global energy supplies.
- Israel and Lebanon started a new round of talks in Rome on Tuesday. The aim, as with previous talks, is to affirm disarmament of Hezbollah, Iran’s terrorist proxy in Lebanon, as well as disengagement of Israel Defense Forces from southern Lebanon, laying the groundwork for an Israel-Lebanon peace deal.
