Iran continued talks with Oman aimed at agreeing a temporary arrangement, reportedly lasting up to three months, to manage passage through the Strait of Hormuz.1 US officials signaled cautious optimism that a deal could be reached, though no agreement has been finalized.1
President Putin signed Decree No. 550, exempting bank deposits held by foreign individuals and by Russian-registered units of foreign companies from the special payment procedure that otherwise applies to transfers involving certain foreign creditors.2 The move lifts restrictions on funds credited to those accounts between June 1 and August 4, though deposits held directly by foreign companies remain restricted — a narrow easing set against the broader sanctions dispute covered in yesterday's briefing.
In parallel, Saudi Arabia has been working through Omani intermediaries to keep a renewed conflict with Yemen's Houthi movement from escalating further, seeking to shield its oil industry and economy from spillover while keeping military options in reserve.3