“Iran, Oman agree outline for 60-day Hormuz deal – Al Arabiya,” Iran International, 8-6-26.  (But I think it won’t be completed, nor imposed).  “The proposed agreement would last 60 days, aiming to resume maritime traffic, break the current stalemate and launch technical talks. It still requires approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the source said.  Under the plan, vessels entering the strait would use the shipping lane closest to Iran, while outbound vessels would use the lane closest to Oman. Regional parties could also take part in mine clearance and other necessary technical procedures, the report said.”

“Proposed Hormuz deal unworkable for shipping industry – Reuters,” Iran International, 8-6-26.  A proposed Iran-Oman deal giving Tehran control over ships entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz would be difficult to implement because of US sanctions and insurance restrictions.  …  Iran was seeking fees of 5% to 7% of cargo values, while Oman was discussing charges of about 3%. Washington wanted passage without fees, the report said.  The sources said payments could trigger US sanctions because Washington has designated Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.  A Lloyd’s Market Association clause also ends insurance coverage for vessels that pay Hormuz transit fees.”

NDTV repeats the story about the U.S. arsenal actually being low, which affects its strategy.  “’Thought It Had Been Fixed’: Trump Lashed Out At Hegseth Over Weapons Shortage,” NDTV, 8-6-26.

“Can Iran’s Diminished Diplomats Deliver a Hormuz Deal?,” WSJ, 8-6-26.

“Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes,” Reuters, 8-5-26.

The first three stories today are various angles on the same news, but the third takes the cake.  In fact, it is one of the more bizarre stories at present circulating about the Regime.  “Khamenei warns Pezeshkian next resignation will be accepted, in-law says,” Iran International, 8-4-26.  See also “Iran’s president rejects resignation claims as internal divisions deepen,” i24, 8-4-26.  Finally, here’s the really odd story, and what do you say about it?  I know I’ll get in trouble for writing this, but the Regime are the ones causing the difficulty, not presenting even a picture or video or tape of the voice of the new supreme leader.  I “triple dog dare you” (reference to the movie “A Christmas Story”) to present Mojtaba Khamenei, but not in the back seat of a car behind a curtain.  Otherwise, he’ll get a Watergate-era nickname, “Deep Throat” (reference to  the movie “All the President’s Men”).  See, I told you I’d get in trouble for either of those statements.  Here’s the crazy story, “Iran’s president met Mojtaba Khamenei in the back seat of a car,” Iran International, 8-4-26.  I don’t make this up.

What a sad call to morning prayer, that it is a reminder of the time of day for executions.  See “Anti-Islam posts follow Iran’s dawn executions, sparking hardline backlash,” Iran International, 8-4-26.

Seemingly contradictory since days ago Iran already said it was not following the MOU anymore.  “Iran war live: Trump says talks to resume; Tehran urges US to honour MoU,” Al Jazeera, 8-3-26.

“Iran and Oman make progress on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, per US and Qatar | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 8-3-26.  “Under the proposal, Oman would clear outbound vessels after notifying Iran, giving Tehran visibility over departing traffic and the ability to intervene if necessary.”  Don’t let the IRGC say it needs control of the strait to provide “safety”—that really means safety from it, blackmail to keep Iran from attacking.

“Trump says Iran war talks to resume Monday after he called off strikes,” CNN, 8-2-26.

But the public doesn’t know the parameters yet.  “Trump halts Iran attack plan, citing agreed-upon deal outline,” The Hill, 8-2-26.

“Gulf States Pressed Trump to Hold Off on Iran Strikes and Pursue Talks,” WSJ, 8-2-26.

“Iran’s war on Americans began decades ago. These families still carry the scars,” Fox, 8-2-26.  Since the 2003 Iraq War, “federal court findings. In cases involving hundreds of U.S. victims, judges found that Iran manufactured or supplied the weapons used in the attacks and that the assailants were trained or directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”  These included the deadly “explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs — sophisticated roadside bombs designed to punch through armored military vehicles.”

Survival is the goal they all agree on.  It has been for over 1,000 years, and especially since 1979.  “Iran’s leaders show a united front over the war but are divided over what the goal is,” AP, 8-1-26.

The U.S. attacks military targets.  Iran doesn’t mind going after civilians.  “Investigators believe Iranian hackers are likely behind cyberattack on Minnesota water systems: report,” Fox, 7-31-26.

“US offers $15 million reward over IRGC drone network,” Iran International, 7-31-26.

“IRGC Claims Strikes on Tankers in Strait of Hormuz,” Iran Wire, 7-31-26.

“Report: US, Israel weigh land blockade to tighten pressure on Iran,” i24, 7-31-26.  “Proposal would enlist Iran’s neighbors to restrict cross-border trade as Trump considers new steps to force Tehran back to talks.”

“IRGC targets two tankers in Hormuz as Iran receives bodies of forces killed in Iraq,” Iran International, 7-31-26.

“Drone attack caused fire on gas ships at Mediterranean port, Egypt says,” BBC, 7-30-26.

And when we say the Houthis are working with Iraqi armed groups loyal to Iran, such as Kataib Hezbollah, that is just one more message that Iran is coordinating in not in some ways controlling the Houthis.  The Regime certainly arms and trains their friends in Yemen.  See “Yemen’s Houthis are attacking Saudi Arabia from Iraq, sources say,” Reuters, 7-30-26.  The article also mentions the Houthi red and green posters with the “Sarkha” motto of “God ​is greatest, death to America, death to ​Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam.”  They forgot the death to Saudi Arabia part, whom they have been fighting for years.

“Why Iran chose to restart the fight after the US stopped firing,” CNN, 7-30-26.  See also the following, because this question is easy.  Because Iran wants to do what it can to survive.  It is willing, to attack anyone, from its own civilians to its former allies.  “Here’s why new fronts seem to be opening up across the Middle East,” AP, 7-30-26.

“US intercepts Iranian missiles in ‘attempted surprise attack,’ CENTCOM says,” ABC, 7-29-26.

“Trump threatens to hit Iran ‘hard’ following missile attack on U.S. assets,” WPost, 7-29-26.  “Fighter jets from the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint military strikes overnight targeting Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, officials said, marking what appeared to be Riyadh’s direct entry into the conflict between Washington and Tehran.”

“Ukraine’s Iran ship strike was more about messaging than a new front, analysts say,” Iran International, 7-29-26.  “A Ukrainian strike that killed a sailor aboard an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea has drawn a vow of retaliation from Tehran and warnings that two wars, fought until now a continent apart, are beginning to converge into a single theater.”

“The Whiplash War,” NYT, 7-29-26.  What this story misses, and could easily insert, is that the offending/first/restarting of hostilities attacks come from Iran.  The U.S. “attacks” are responsive/reactive/self-defensive.  I encourage the NYT to amend its story and help the world see who attacks first, and over time.

Headline here is deceiving, as the U.S. action is predicated solely on Iran breaking the fighting and attacking Jordan, Egypt, and elsewhere.  “Iran War Live Updates: U.S. Strikes Iran as Fighting Reignites Across Region,” NYT, 7-29-26.

This most recent article above leads me to this.  I’m asked regularly “What do you think about the Iran war?”  I send persons back to my blog.  Iran has been at war with the U.S. since 1979.  The actions of last June, and now since the end of February, are in large part the U.S. finally saying enough is enough.  We also have proxies, Houthis, Hamas, Hezbollah, but for those persons who say there has to be a “diplomatic solution” that is code for not addressing the problem.  The short answer?  The answer that not enough give?  Barbary Pirates.  Do what Thomas Jefferson did.  That should be the reaction of any country that is faced with another who refuses to act as a normal state but instead imposes its revolutionary ideas and actions on you and others.  “U.S. Retaliates Against Iran for Tuesday’s Surprise Attack,” WSJ, 7-29-26.  See also “US weighs a 10 to 14 day air campaign against Iran as Trump considers major escalation – report,” i24, 7-29-26.

“Why Iran Is in No Rush to Return to Talks With United States,” NYT, 7-28-26.  Hormuz.  Since 1979.  The 1,000 Year perspective.  Proxies.  Term limits for U.S. president.  Terrorism pays.  Hostage-taking pays.  Shia Revolutionary ideology.  Population is controlled.  (and maybe there is no Ayatollah to control them).  The list goes on.

This is not news, it is the status quo.  Butttttttt, it is one step away from Iran declaring itself as having the ability to do anything it wants nuclear-wise.  In other words, it can do a North Korea.  Here’s another way of saying this—for all the persons who say Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapons program or even desire or is prohibited by a (non-existent) fatwa from having nuclear weapons, why would the Foreign Ministry come out today and say this?  See “Iran says it is effectively operating as a non-NPT state,” Iran International, 7-28-26.

“Riyadh condemns Iran-backed drone attacks from Iraq on oil facilities,” Iran International, 7-28-26.

“Trump: US will hit Iran with force in response to attacks on American forces in Jordan | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 7-28-26.  During an unofficial ceasefire with the U.S., Iran attacks.

I keep on harping on Iran can’t charge blackmail/fees for transiting international straits.  They are providing nothing of value for the fee (like navigation), but are certainly providing threats.  See “Iran rejects Oman’s 50-50 Hormuz shipping plan, proposes new route,” Iran International, 7-28-26.  Note that Iran insists that all or part of both ingress and egress goes through its territorial waters.  Piracy.

“Saudi Aramco Shuts 400,000-Bpd Refinery After Houthi Strike,” OilPrice.com, 7-28-26.

Iran continues to try to kill Pres. Trump and PM Netanyahu and other high officials (this will most likely be the case for the rest of their lives).  “Bid by Iran to harm senior Israeli officials prompted Netanyahu’s secretive DC departure – reports,” Times of Israel, 7-28-26.

“Tankers divert to Egypt as Houthi threat upends Red Sea trade,” Japan Times, 7-28-26.

“The Islamic Republic is preparing to receive hundreds of shoulder-launched defense systems from China,” Iran International, 7-28-26.  By land or sea?  And through Pakistan.

The blog program at my host institution has been down for over a week, so I’m working now to catch up.