United States · 2026-W32 · Global Weekly Agenda

Iran says a deal with Oman is close

First published Mon, Aug 10

Iran says a deal with Oman is close, but its demands leave the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz uncertain, according to The Washington Post and Reuters.1 2

Iran insists on US concessions before opening the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by CNN.3

Iran has named a price to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Telegraph.4

Tehran seeks 'to create grounds' for talks with the US, according to Al Jazeera.5

Reuters reports that Iran says a deal on the Strait of Hormuz is close but not enough to open the waterway.2

Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed

First published Mon, Aug 10

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point plan proposed by former President Donald Trump to disarm Hamas in Gaza, according to multiple outlets including Fox News, NBC News, The New York Times, CNN, and Bloomberg.1 2 3 4 5

Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, as reported by Fox News and CNN.1 4

The plan was described as a US-backed proposal for Hamas disarmament by Bloomberg, and as a Gaza peace plan by CNN and NBC News.5 4 2

U.S. intelligence links Russia to an explosive drone found at a German airport

First published Mon, Aug 10

U.S. intelligence links Russia to an explosive drone found at a German airport, according to the Wall Street Journal (centre-right).1

A bus driver kicked the explosive drone out of the air at the German airport, according to a lawmaker, as reported by Reuters (centre).2

The drone was found at a German airport used by a Ukrainian carrier, according to The New York Times (centre-left).3

Germany warned of a 'new threat' after the explosives-packed drone targeted the airport, according to CNN (centre-left).4

The Guardian (left) described the Leipzig drone bomb as a dangerous escalation for Europe.5

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, with Sen

First published Mon, Aug 10

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) providing the critical vote after previously being a holdout. (The Hill, The Washington Post, Mother Jones)1 2 3

Democrats criticized Blanche as an enabler of ‘Trump’s corruption’ following his confirmation, while The New York Times reported that senators endorsed a Justice Department under Trump’s sway. (The Hill, The New York Times)1 4

The confirmation vote was close, with CNN publishing the roll call of who voted ‘yes’ and ‘no’. (CNN)5

Mother Jones reported that Cassidy once more had the deciding vote and once more folded, suggesting criticism of his decision. (Mother Jones)3

The Washington Post noted that Blanche’s confirmation fight was tough, but being Trump’s AG may be tougher, implying challenges ahead. (The Washington Post)2

Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on a Saudi Arabian oil facility and a Yemeni port

First published Mon, Aug 10

Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on a Saudi Arabian oil facility and a Yemeni port, according to AP News and other outlets.1 2 3

The Houthis targeted a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan, and Saudi Arabia said the resulting fire was extinguished, as reported by Al Jazeera and CNBC.4 5

Reuters reported that the Houthi attack on the Saudi refinery came after the kingdom signed a defence pact.6

Bloomberg reported that oil ships signaled Egypt and Suez to mask Saudi Red Sea loadings, indicating potential shipping disruptions.7

Fortune reported that Saudi Arabia took center stage as oil hit $100 and the Iran war escalated amid Houthi attacks and nuclear expansion.8