BlockBeats, August 8 — Middle East tensions continue to draw market attention.
On the conflict front, Yemen's navy said it foiled an attack attempt targeting an oil tanker in the Red Sea. The Houthi group claimed its armed forces struck concentrations of forces inside Saudi Arabia, as well as ammunition depots, vehicles and military equipment at the Sahin Camp.
On Iran-US negotiations, Iran's president said Tehran has "made no concessions" in talks over a memorandum of understanding. According to Axios, a diplomat from a mediating country said the Iranian negotiating team is waiting for approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council for an agreement reached with Oman and the United States, and expects it to be granted soon.
In the Strait of Hormuz, there are signs of easing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the strait will lose importance in the future. Iran's deputy foreign minister said the security of the Persian Gulf region should be maintained jointly by regional countries, without external interference. Shipping intelligence firm Kpler reported that only 6 tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz this week. Iranian officials said a general framework for passage through the strait has been clarified with Oman, and US officials also expect the two sides to reach an agreement soon.
Still, Iran continues to stress its position. Tehran Mayor Zakaani said sanctions must be lifted and compensation paid for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said that in the face of the world's most expensive military force, Iran's armed forces have demonstrated their readiness, capability and strength.
Elsewhere, Lebanon said Lebanon-Israel talks have made progress on border issues and other areas; the United States announced that 13 entities have been added to its Iran-related sanctions list. In addition, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement stipulating that an armed attack against any of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all three.