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August 29th - On August 28th local time, the U.S. Central Command stated that the United States continues its naval blockade of Iran. As of the 28th, U.S. Central Command forces had guided 82 merchant ships to change course, rendered 3 merchant ships incapable of navigation, and boarded and inspected 2 other merchant ships.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that U.S. oil production will average 13.83 million barrels per day in August, up slightly from 13.82 million barrels per day in July; September production is projected to average 13.77 million barrels per day.

U.S. Central Command: 82 vessels were redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, 3 were interfered with, and 2 were boarded to ensure compliance.

On August 29th, US President Trump announced on social media that the United States had reached an agreement with Venezuela, gaining "majority control" over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. Trump stated that the US and Venezuela collaborated, through partnerships with private companies, to acquire "majority control" of over 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, with US taxpayers bearing no cost. Trump claimed that this deal "will more than double the US oil reserves, significantly increase oil supply, and significantly reduce US gasoline prices for a long time to come." However, Trump did not disclose the specific details of the agreement, and the White House has not yet released an official statement.

On August 29th, NBC News, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth has been discussing the possibility of running for president in 2028 with close associates in recent months. Hegseth and his wife believe he shares some similarities with Trump, including a tough, confrontational style and conservative stances on social issues, which could garner support from the MAGA base. This month, Hegseth also traveled to Iowa to campaign for Republican lawmakers. Iowa has long been a key outpost in US presidential elections, further fueling speculation that he is preparing to run. If he does run, Hegseth could compete with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and others. However, a Pentagon spokesperson denied the claims, stating that "Secretary Hegseth will not run for president," and that his primary focus remains leading the Department of Defense. The report points out that the ongoing war with Iran could be a major political burden for Hegseth, with 18 US military personnel already killed and the average US gasoline price rising from less than $3 per gallon to slightly over $4.

On August 29th, Allianz Chief Economic Advisor Mohamed El-Erian stated that today's changes in the US Treasury yield curve released two signals. The spread between the 2-year and 10-year yields narrowed by approximately 7 basis points, and the spread between the 2-year and 30-year yields narrowed by approximately 10 basis points, showing a flattening trend. El-Erian believes this reflects a dual interpretation in the fixed-income market: in the short term, it represents a hawkish repricing following Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh's firm commitment to the inflation target; in the long term, it reflects recognition of the Federal Reserve's long-term credibility.

According to NBC News, U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays is considering running for president in 2028.

On August 29th, Deutsche Bank economists predicted that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates by 25 basis points each in September and December. Fed Chairman Warsh, in his Jackson Hole speech, emphasized the need to bring inflation back to the 2% target and released a clearly hawkish signal. Deutsche Bank believes that unless future economic data is "significantly weaker than expected," the threshold for avoiding a 25 basis point rate hike in September is already very high. The market has also quickly increased its bets on rate hikes: CME data shows that the probability of a cumulative rate hike of 50 basis points or more by December has risen to 51%, up from only 29% the previous day; the probability of a cumulative rate hike of 25 basis points is 38%, and the probability of keeping rates unchanged is only 11%. Following Warsh's speech, market bets on a September rate hike have also clearly intensified.

US President Trump criticized New York Governor Hoher for "taking Canada's side," refusing to use the name "American Lake," and "preferring Canada to win," while also supporting Blackman as the next governor of New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi: Our missiles have withstood the test and defended the country excellently, and all domestically produced equipment has performed at its best.

Fitch affirmed France's rating at 'A+'; outlook is stable.

On August 29th, local time, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy issued a statement on August 28th, claiming that the statements by US officials regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz were lies, intended only to control oil prices and cover up their failures. The statement emphasized that the Revolutionary Guard's control over this strategic waterway is absolutely secure. Iran has ordered that all vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian coordination are prohibited from passage. The Revolutionary Guard Navy stated that this operation will continue until the US military action against Iran is completely terminated and its obligations are fulfilled.

On August 29, Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem called on the Lebanese government on August 28 to cancel the trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, saying the agreement undermines Lebanese sovereignty and fails to protect Lebanese rights. According to Hezbollah's Al-Ahram TV, Qassem made the remarks at an event in the southern suburbs of Beirut, calling the agreement "illegal, unjust, and humiliating." He said, "We oppose and call for the cancellation of this framework agreement." Qassem accused the United States and Israel of attempting to control and divide the Middle East. He said the Palestinian, Lebanese, Iranian, Yemeni, and Iraqi people have made sacrifices to prevent this plan from being realized.

Sources indicate that Chevron (CVX.N) is close to finalizing negotiations to integrate its joint venture project in Venezuela into the country's new oil policy framework. Chevron is also in talks in Venezuela to expand relevant blocks of its existing projects.

According to SEC filings, Boeing (BA.N) has revised its five-year credit agreement commitments for 2023, totaling $3 billion, expiring on August 24, 2029; and its revised five-year credit agreement commitments for 2024, totaling $4 billion, expiring on May 15, 2030.

According to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Boeing's (BA.N) new 364-day revolving credit agreement will expire on August 23, 2027, and can convert the borrowings into term loans; the agreement requires the company to maintain at least $5 billion in liquidity.

According to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Boeing (BA.N) signed a new $3 billion, 364-day revolving credit agreement on August 24 to replace the original $3 billion, 364-day revolving credit agreement that expired that day.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi: The United States and Israel are powerless to deal with Iranian missiles.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva: The strength of the dollar reflects the robustness of the US economy.

US President Trump denied reports that he went to the Pentagon instead of the World Trade Center memorial ceremony in New York because it is customary not to have political figures speak at the ceremony, and criticized New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman for fabricating the news.