Diplomacy to reopen Strait of Hormuz accelerates amid Iran war

Qatar, Iran move to reopen Hormuz as seven nations plan Istanbul talks Qatar's prime minister met Iran's foreign minister, president and parliament speaker in Tehran on Aug 27 to discuss a temporary Hormuz shipping corridor and joint mine-clearing, after which Tehran agreed to list conditions for restoring normal traffic. US Central Command says internationally recognized lanes are cleared of mines, while ministers from Britain, Germany, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey will meet in Istanbul on Aug 30 to keep talks with Iran alive. 12345

Russia pounds Ukrainian businesses and energy sites in overnight barrage Moscow struck cities across Ukraine, damaging civilian areas, energy facilities and transport and killing at least two people, in an apparent bid to weaken the economy and deplete air defences. Ukraine said it is responding with strikes on high-profile targets inside Russia. 6

Ukraine-Russia peace talks could resume as early as September Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said a new round of talks may take place next month, though the Kremlin shows little appetite for compromise and still insists on maximalist demands. A late-July Rubio-Lavrov meeting in Manila yielded no breakthrough. 7

Trump says Putin won't attack NATO; Russia warns UK, France Trump said in an Oval Office press conference he had 'good talks' with Putin and dismissed the idea of Russian aggression against NATO, a day after CIA Director Ratcliffe's Moscow visit. Russia's foreign ministry separately warned that British-supplied Storm Shadow technology for Ukraine could trigger strikes on UK military facilities. 8

US Gaza envoy criticizes Israel as strikes kill three Palestinians Israeli strikes on tents sheltering displaced people near Gaza City and Khan Younis killed at least three Palestinians, even as the US ceasefire envoy told the UN Security Council that Trump's plan has not stalled and Hamas has agreed to disarm. The envoy warned the alternative to the US proposal is the next war. 910

Israel strikes Syria and Lebanon despite US-brokered diplomacy push Israel has intensified military operations against what it says are Iran-linked targets in Syria and southern Lebanon, with forces closing in on the Ali Al Taher area, despite US efforts to calm the region. The raids expand a multi-front conflict that already includes the Gaza campaign. 11

Iceland votes Saturday on EU bid as Arctic security stakes rise Icelanders face a knife-edge referendum on whether to resume EU accession negotiations, with President Trump's push to acquire Greenland and uncertainty over US security commitments injecting a geopolitical dimension. The outcome could reopen a long-dormant membership bid. 12

Modi to meet Putin at SCO summit after Uzbekistan visit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tashkent on Aug 29-30 and then to Bishkek for the SCO summit, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin. Energy, fertiliser supplies and regional security are likely to dominate the agenda. 13

Zambia opposition leader questioned for alleged treason after disputed vote Runner-up Brian Mundubile and his running mate are in police custody over an alleged treason offence following this month's disputed presidential election. President Hichilema, who won 60 percent, is due to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday. 14