Real-time News

According to Iran's Fars News Agency, Bulgaria claims that a Ukrainian drone attacked the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline this morning, which carries Russian gas to Europe via Türkiye.

August 9th - Analysts point out that the market generally expects the US CPI to rise 0.1% month-on-month in July, after a 0.4% decline in June. The core CPI, excluding fuel and food, is expected to rise 0.2% month-on-month and 2.5% year-on-year, the smallest year-on-year increase since February. The slowdown in inflation may help alleviate inflationary anxieties within the Federal Reserve following Friday's weak July non-farm payroll report. Previously, at the July 29th meeting, three officials voted to raise interest rates. The CPI report is likely to show that energy-related price pressures have eased, pressures that intensified sharply in the months following the start of the US-Iran conflict in late February. Retail gasoline prices fell to their lowest point in nearly four months in early July before rebounding to above $4 per gallon by the end of the month. The report may also show that airfares have declined as jet fuel costs have stabilized.

On August 9th, local time, the U.S. Central Command stated that on August 8th, U.S. Navy personnel were performing maintenance on F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to ensure the carrier strike group's equipment remained operational and to continue strictly enforcing the naval blockade against Iran. As of that day, the U.S. military had diverted 53 merchant ships, rendered two ships inoperable, and boarded and inspected two other vessels. In addition, the U.S. military allowed more than 30 ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through the blockade zone.

On August 9th, US Vice President Vance stated on the 8th that the US and Iran are in dialogue, and the US-Iran conflict remains in the "middle of the game." In an interview with Fox News that day, Vance said the US-Iran conflict is not over, "but it's clearly no longer in the initial stages, but has entered the middle stages." He stated that the US is using a combination of diplomatic, economic, and military means to ensure the best possible outcome. Vance said the US's current primary focus is "to maximize the amount of oil and gas transported through the Strait of Hormuz," and the US is observing whether Iran is willing to make the necessary long-term changes to establish a better relationship with the US. If Iran is unwilling, the US will continue to exert pressure. Vance also said the US is trying to establish a navigation mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships. This includes mine-clearing operations, and "also requires a commitment from Iran to guarantee that it will not fire on merchant ships."

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

Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm support for the legitimate Yemeni government.

On August 9th, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tishi stated on the 8th that Ukraine is maintaining close contact with Bulgaria to ascertain the specific circumstances surrounding the drone crash in Bulgaria that day. He emphasized that the Ukrainian military did not intentionally launch any equipment towards Bulgaria. Tishi said that Ukraine is verifying all the circumstances and relevant technical facts of the incident and is willing to cooperate with Bulgaria to ascertain the details.

Yemeni government armed forces: Houthi rebels again used ballistic missiles to attack Marib and its surrounding areas and refugee camps.

On August 9th, Israel's Channel 12, citing military sources, reported that the Israeli military is assessing the possibility of withdrawing troops from certain positions in the Gaza Strip and handing them over to international stabilization forces. The sources stated that Israel has recently begun discussions on withdrawing from areas within the Yellow Line, but internal disagreements exist regarding the specific methods for Hamas disarmament, with the main point of contention being the order of withdrawal and disarmament.

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

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Serbia is not "Little Russia"; that's Russian political rhetoric.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: (Regarding Serbia) I believe Serbia is currently on the path to rebuilding its independence and freeing itself from Russian influence.

Turkish Foreign Minister: Türkiye has conveyed to Russia and Ukraine that they should cease their attacks in the Black Sea.

According to the official measurement of the China Earthquake Networks Center, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang (41.18 degrees north latitude, 83.72 degrees east longitude) at 01:12 on August 9, with a focal depth of 16 kilometers.

Market news: The commander of U.S. Central Command has arrived in Israel and will hold talks with senior Israeli military officials.

On August 9th, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated in a Fox News interview broadcast on Saturday that "we are in a game" regarding Iran. "We are using all the tools at our disposal—diplomatic, economic, military—to ensure the best possible outcome for the American people," he said. He indicated that some progress had been made in the Iran negotiations over the past few days. The U.S. expects oil and gas exports from the Gulf region to return to pre-conflict levels, "and the Iranians have indicated to us that they intend to do so," he said.

On August 9th, it was reported that the Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Florida oil tycoon and Republican donor Harry Sargent III to divest his assets in Venezuela. According to sources, the U.S. Treasury Department froze assets of Sargent's offshore company involved in Venezuelan oil production projects on Friday. Simultaneously, the Treasury Department has issued a license allowing him to liquidate his stake in the company. Sargent served as a key secret communication channel between Washington and Caracas during years of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, accumulating significant influence on both sides. He frequently visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and the Venezuelan presidential palace, regularly meeting with former President Maduro and other high-ranking officials detained by the U.S. military. He used this special channel to relay information between the U.S. and Venezuela and helped facilitate the release of detained U.S. citizens in 2025. Simultaneously, he also developed deals in Venezuela, a country most oil companies avoid due to political risks and sanctions.

US Vice President Vance: Iran has informed the United States that it will allow the maximum flow of oil through the Strait, but we do not trust them.

US Vice President Vance: The United States will continue to exert pressure on Iran.