For now, links to four reports: from Reuters, Middle East Eye, the Cradle, and ABC News, and to a commentary from Indian Punchline; others are accessible by clicking on their names. (Scroll up or down for today’s WEST BANK, GAZA, UKRAINE and COVID ETC., and for UKRAINE 8-3-26.) — MCM
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Iran demands Hormuz inbound control, outbound oversight, source says. From Reuters. DUBAI — Iran wants control over inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and visibility over outbound traffic, with the ability to intervene if necessary, under a plan being discussed with Oman to reopen the strategic waterway, a senior Iranian source said Tuesday. READ MORE . . .
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Trump insists Iran talks under way, warns Tehran’s ‘last chance’ to secure deal. From Middle East Eye. U.S. President Donald Trump claims that direct negotiations with Iran are under way, and has warned that the latest round is Tehran’s “last chance” to secure a deal to end the war. READ MORE . . .
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FROM AUG. 3 India’s imports of Russian oil hit all-time high despite U.S. tariff threat. From the Cradle. India’s imports of sanctioned Russian crude hit an all-time high of 2.8 million barrels per day in July, according to vessel-tracking data from Kpler cited today by the Times of India. READ MORE . . .
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FROM JULY 28 Senate overwhelmingly advances Russia sanctions bill named after Sen. Lindsey Graham, by Allison Pecorin | ABC News With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy overlooking the floor, the Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly advanced a Russia and Iran sanctions bill named in honor of Sen. Lindsey Graham. READ MORE . . .
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FROM JULY 30 Graham sanctions bill has bite. Trump will use it to terrorise India, by M.K. Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline The Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s characterisation of the reports suggesting the U.S. could impose a 100 percent tariff on countries such as India that import Russian oil as speculative cannot be taken as a statement of fact. READ MORE. . .
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TO BE CONTINUED