Qatar University scholar Al-Etaibi points out that Gulf states are deeply concerned about Iran's demand for compensation in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He believes that Iran views its negotiations with Oman on navigation in the strait as an extension of its game against the US, aiming to demand compensation for the US's violation of the memorandum of understanding. "What is the cost of reopening the waterway? Is it unfreezing assets in exchange for freedom of navigation? This is not a matter of principle, but rather a negotiating card played by Iran against the US and the region," he warns. He warns that if Iran demands money for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, "it may come back in a month or two demanding more funds to reopen it," leading to endless negotiations that erode trust and freedom of navigation. He advocates for the resumption of direct dialogue between the US and Iran, in addition to the Iran-Aman negotiations, and for seeking a compromise on asset unfreezing and strait management. Although Gulf states welcome the progress of the Iran-Aman negotiations, their options are extremely limited in the face of Iran's compensation demands. Al-Etaibi states that all parties are positive about the Iran-Aman negotiations, hoping to reaffirm freedom of navigation. However, he warns that Iran's use of freedom of navigation as a "bargaining chip" is a dangerous signal for the Gulf states. He admitted that the Gulf states "are unwilling to use force and can only defend themselves and their sovereignty," thus their options are extremely limited. Iran said on Saturday that it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman, but emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz depended on Washington accepting Tehran's conditions (including compensation). Given the Gulf's heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas exports, this stalemate has left the countries feeling deeply passive.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the Kermadec Islands at a depth of 10 kilometers.

U.S. Central Command: As of August 8, U.S. Central Command had intercepted and forced 53 merchant ships to change course, two of which were rendered incapable of navigation, and two others were boarded and inspected. Meanwhile, the U.S. military allowed nearly 35 ships to pass through the blockade to conduct humanitarian relief operations.

U.S. Central Command: The U.S. Navy is conducting maintenance on F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to ensure the carrier strike group assets remain operational and to carry out the U.S. maritime blockade mission against Iran.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Ukraine will receive “very strong” security guarantees from the United States after the war ends.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Serbia is a sovereign state and its integration into the European Union should be promoted as much as possible.