Deadline for Putin's ultimatum expires as Witkoff and Kushner head to Moscow
On August 8, the 10-day deadline set by Trump's ultimatum on settling the conflict in Ukraine expired, with the president himself emphasizing that further developments depend on Putin. At the same time, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to arrive in Moscow as early as next week, part of a US diplomatic effort on two fronts simultaneously — the Ukrainian and the Russian. Tight deadlines paired with simultaneous visits suggest Washington clearly wants to force a resolution rather than wait for the initiative to shift to the other side.
Iran puts forward six conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, US signals a deal without the nuclear issue
Iran has proposed that the US change its behavior on six points as a condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC separately outlining its own demands. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is prepared to end the war with Iran without a nuclear deal if the strait is reopened — a clear shift in priorities, with logistics and oil now taking precedence over an outright victory on the nuclear file. CENTCOM confirmed that US naval forces have stopped 55 vessels in recent weeks as part of the blockade on Iran. For those holding contracts involving transit through the strait, this is a clear signal to prepare a "plan B" in case the deal is delayed again.
Senate backs sanctions on Russia and confirms new Attorney General
On August 7, the US Senate backed a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and countries helping Moscow circumvent restrictions, co-authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. In the same week, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a rushed overnight vote. The sanctions machinery is running in parallel with personnel reshuffles — Washington is simultaneously tightening the screws on the external front and reinforcing its law-enforcement apparatus at home.
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