For now, links to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, and Raidió Teilifís Éireann, to an analysis from Middle East Eye, and to an interview from National Public Radio; others or at least headlines are accessible by clicking on their names or initials. (Scroll up or down for today’s WEST BANK, LEBANON, UKRAINE and ALL OF IT so far, and down for IRAN 8-10-26.) — MCM

–   –   –

Pakistan says U.S. and Iran close to ‘some sort’ of deal despite attacks on shipping, by Tala Ramadan and Elwely Elwelly | Reuters  DUBAI — Pakistan said today the United States and Iran were close to “some sort” of deal, and fellow mediator Qatar said talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage, despite reports of new attacks on shipping in regional waters. READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle. In updates package edited by Bridget Brown, Michael Warren and Curtis Lee | AP  President Donald Trump on Monday said that since Iran is seeking compensation as part of any peace talks, he now intends to demand the same for the U.S. side. It’s part of a larger pivot this weekend by Trump to . . . READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for report from RTÉ.

–   –   –

FROM AUG. 11  Former U.S. diplomat on Iran’s latest demands. Reported by Vincent Acovino, Juana Summers and Patrick Jarenwattananon | NPR  Summers speaks with Wendy Sherman, who has been part of teams negotiating with Iran, about the status of latest negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

Inside the growing rift between Iran’s dealmakers and ultraconservatives. From Middle East Eye.  Iran’s political landscape appears to have entered a new phase as two competing camps emerge: those advocating a deal with the United States and those determined to block any agreement. READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

TO BE CONTINUED