Highlighting the precarious nature of vessel transits through this narrow passage between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), another ship was struck by Iran overnight as it was leaving the Strait, a maritime security official told TWZ.
The Gulf of Oman, which is the eastern approach to the Strait and the Persian Gulf, is largely controlled by Iran to the north and Oman to the south. Under the emerging agreement between those countries, “vessels heading into the Persian Gulf will transit a channel controlled by Iran, and close to its coast. Ships leaving the Gulf will travel on a channel near Oman,” The New York Times reported.
Both Iran and the U.S. are already following this general traffic pattern, with the U.S. Navy recommending transits close to the Omani coastline and Iran pushing shipping toward its shores. The middle of the Strait has been deemed too hazardous because of the threat primarily from mines. The new plan being pushed by Iran and Oman would expand the use of these traffic patterns. Unless there is some special cutout made in the deal, it could require the U.S. Navy to seek permission to enter the Persian Gulf and then have to make the transit deep in Iranian waters, giving American warships degraded defensive options and putting them in the heart of Iran’s weapons engagement envelope.
Strait of Hormuz (Google Earth)
While Iranian officials say that they won’t impose tolls, the accord does include a charge for service fees to cover the environmental impact of the shipping, security for the cargo ships and tankers, and staffing, the publication added. Revenues would be divided equally between Iran and Oman, two Iranian officials told the Times.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that “Tehran is unlikely to change its position,” because it has already shown flexibility by moving from its initial position of seeking full control over traffic in both directions in the strait.
But a U.S. official familiar with the negotiations told the Times on Monday that the Iranian account was “not accurate,” and said that any “temporary” routes established through the strait would not involve approvals or permissions by Iran, and would involve no tolls.
If this sounds familiar, there is good reason. We wrote about a similar scheme that was floated by Iran and Oman back in May. And, just like now, it came during a lull in fighting and as Trump insisted the Strait be open for all with no fees for transit.
Regardless of the plans for the Strait being discussed by Iran and Oman, the Trump administration on Tuesday said it could soon work out a deal with Iran on the matter.
“We are in talks with the Iranians,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the Strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict.”
“It would be freedom of movement,” the Treasury Secretary said when asked whether Iran would be allowed to charge a toll.
All this follows Trump’s claims on Monday that talks with Iran were ongoing and that he is giving Tehran a “last chance” before ordering new strikes. Iranian officials, however, vociferously denied Trump’s claim and said they are prepared to fight.
“We’re talking, and we’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also,” Trump told reporters Monday at the White House. “They all wanted to give this a last chance. This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn’t happen. This is the last chance for them.”
Q: “Are the talks with Iran now off?”
President Trump: “No, they’re going on. They’re going on right now…this is the last chance for them to sign a good document.” pic.twitter.com/H9RxAHmjCP
On Sunday, Trump stated that he called off a major attack on Iran to give diplomacy another chance to work. Asked Monday what his message to the American people is now that he has called off strikes at least five times, Trump replied: “Well, you don’t know, I don’t know, I think we’re going to maybe get something. But I want to give them every last chance before decapitation. Very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens.”
Reporter: Mr. President, this is at least the fifth time you’ve called off airstrikes against Iran since April to negotiate. What is your message to the American people who are wondering what has changed this time? Why should it be any different?
Hours before Trump spoke at the White House, Iranians dismissed both the notion of ongoing talks and U.S. control of the Strait.
“We currently have no negotiations with the United States,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei told reporters, according to the official Iranian Fars news agency. “Instead, we are working, in consultation with Oman, to determine a route for vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz at the earliest opportunity. This arrangement is naturally temporary and is intended to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Responding to claims that Pakistani and Qatari representatives were involved in negotiations with the United States, Baqaei said, “I am not aware of any such matter. We are neither expecting to host a delegation in the coming days nor planning to send one abroad.”
The Iranians appear to be coalescing around hardliners from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. One Israeli journalist suggested that Supreme Leader “Mojtaba Khamenei has given IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi the final say on all key decisions regarding the United States.”
• According to my sources, Tehran has concluded that the United States can no longer be trusted, and IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi’s approach has effectively become the regime’s official policy.…
— דרור בלאזאדה | Dror Balazada (@DBalazada) August 3, 2026
As we noted earlier in this piece, amid debate over control of the Strait, Iran struck the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer with an unknown projectile near the Oman coast, a maritime security official told us.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO) stated on X that it “received a military-source report of a mayday from a vessel. A second vessel relayed that the first vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in its engine room and crew accommodations.”
“One crew member was reported missing and the remaining crew evacuated safely, UKMTO added. “A fire was reported, the vessel lost power and required assistance. The vessel was last reported at anchor. UKMTO has been unable to contact the vessel.”
Meanwhile, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) still enforces a blockade of Iranian ports, an operation that remains a sticking point in the negotiation process.
“As of Aug. 3, CENTCOM has redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2,” the command stated on X Monday afternoon.
U.S. forces continue to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 3, CENTCOM has redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2. pic.twitter.com/dTu90UVAcH
As the U.S. continues to maintain a large presence in the region, another report emerged highlighting the immense expenditure of munitions during this conflict.
The U.S. Army has “used up much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles” since Epic Fury was launched on Feb. 28, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the data.
The missiles are principally the Army’s surface-to-surface weapons, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The U.S. has used “virtually all” of these weapons, according to two of the sources. The sources all declined to say how many of each munition the U.S. had left.
Supply figures on ATACMS and PrSMs “circulated inside the federal government over the last week during tense conversations inside the Trump administration about how much longer the U.S. can continue striking Iran without drawing down the stockpile to levels that would limit the military’s ability to respond to crises elsewhere,” Reuters added.
That PrSM is low is no surprise because the production just began. But no one should pretend that the combined depletion of ATACMS/PrSM is not a huge problem. https://t.co/BuSJNFZ8JH
Several days earlier, “the top U.S. general in Europe privately warned the Pentagon…that he lacks sufficient naval forces to continue protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles,” The Washington Post reported.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. European Command, “sent written notification to senior Pentagon officials saying that without another Navy destroyer he will be forced to choose defense of the United States ‘homeland’ over that of Israel, said the officials,” the Post stated. “A U.S. defense official said Grynkewich’s notification appears consistent with past outreach to the Pentagon from the military’s top generals when they see certain risks that require Washington’s consideration. This can occur, the official said, as commanders compete for finite resources and weapons.”
EXCLUSIVE: The top U.S. general in Europe has privately warned the Pentagon that he needs more naval forces if he is to continue protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles.
Destroyer deployments and maintenance are at issue after months of war with Iran, officials say.
The depletion of ATACMS and PrSMs and Grynkewich’s notification come amid growing concerns over the supply of munitions, especially air defense interceptors. The lack of sufficient magazine depth is an issue that TWZ has raised frequently for years, and especially in regard to America’s air and missile defenses, in particular. In fact, we laid out in detail these exact concerns and how they would be a major issue in war with Iran just prior to the conflict starting in a feature you can read in full here.
New estimates of American Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD anti-ballistic missile interceptor stockpiles in American inventory from CSIS.
“This targeting comes in response to the Saudi enemy’s violation of the airspace in the provinces of Saada and Hajjah using its drones,” Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed on X. “We affirm to the Saudi enemy that any violation of our airspace will not go unpunished or without retaliation.”
There was no immediate confirmation about the attack from the Saudis. The Houthis often exaggerate or make up claims and TWZ cannot independently verify this one.
تمكنت القوات المسلحة اليمنية بفضل الله من استهداف هدف حساس للعدو السعودي في مطار نجران وذلك بطائرة مسيرة وكانت الإصابةدقيقة. يأتي هذا الاستهداف رداً على خرق العدو السعودي للأجواء في محافظتي صعدة وحجة بطيرانه المسير. نؤكد للعدو السعودي أن أي خرق لأجوائنا لن يمر دون رد وعقاب.
However, Saudi ship transits through the BAM are now almost non-existent since the Houthis imposed their blockade, according to the Windward maritime intelligence firm.
“Crossings fell to a lower baseline after the July 20 Houthi threat announcement, driven almost entirely by the collapse in Saudi-linked traffic,” Windward noted on X. “Non-Saudi vessels have held steady for two weeks at an average of 37 crossings per day — roughly 22% below pre-announcement levels. Saudi-linked crossings dropped to just 0.86 per day last week, the lowest recorded so far, with zero crossings on three of the seven days.” The threat “is functioning as a selective pressure on Riyadh’s Red Sea export route rather than a blanket corridor shutdown,” Windward added. “This matters because Saudi Arabia had already shifted significant volumes to Yanbu and the Red Sea to bypass Hormuz. That alternative is now under direct commercial strain.”
Saudi traffic through Bab el-Mandeb has almost vanished.
Crossings fell to a lower baseline after the July 20 Houthi threat announcement, driven almost entirely by the collapse in Saudi-linked traffic.
Non-Saudi vessels have held steady for two weeks at an average of 37… https://t.co/sCZaS7P9ma
As we have frequently detailed, a Houthi blockade of the BAM threatens to add far greater pressure on oil exports from the Middle East, already drastically affected by the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Asia in particular relies on these shipments. The Yemeni rebel group has expanded its target set, hitting oil terminals and infrastructure Saudi Arabia is using to pump supplies to tankers in the Red Sea. The kingdom has diverted millions of barrels of oil per day through pipelines to its Yanbu port on the Red Sea in an effort to minimize the energy shortages due to the hostilities in the Persian Gulf. Even with the BAM closed, oil exports could still head to the West, via the Suez Canal.
But if the infrastructure used to convey these energy products is put out of action, the consequences could be even more severe, with far less or even no energy supplies from Saudi Arabia moving out of the Red Sea. The closing of the BAM also raised the specter of the U.S. having to get as involved as it did during the previous Houthi campaign against shipping that ended last September, which could pull resources away from Iranian-focused operations.
Though there is conflict in two regions of the Middle East, an expansion to Ukraine appears to have been avoided.
Major General Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, claimed on Monday that Tehran was prepared to launch a strike against Ukraine in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea last month.
The situation dates back to July 26, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a successful long-range strike on a ship in the Caspian Sea that, according to him, was being used to transport military cargo to Russia. Iran accused Ukraine of attacking a civilian vessel in the Caspian Sea, claiming that one sailor was killed and another wounded.
Military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Major General Mohsen Rezaei:
“We had prepared to strike three different locations in Ukraine, but after they publicly apologized for striking our vessel, we decided not to escalate.” pic.twitter.com/GR8z64G2pW
Burnham’s first day as prime minister in No 10 North will include talks with business leaders, including representatives of the Federation of Small Business, the Confederation of British Industry and the British Chambers of Commerce, about how to generate growth and investment.
Labour wants to create a plan that would pull from existing devolution strategy and local growth policy, to allow civil servants, mayors, councils and businesses to work together more closely.
Burnham’s first week in power has seen him make a series of interventions aimed at easing the cost of living, including announcing a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues from April next year.
However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised his ambitions for being “too small”.
Speaking on Thursday, she urged him to tackle high energy costs for businesses as well as a gap in defence funding.
“When you are mayor of Manchester, you are handed a big pot of someone else’s money, and you decide where to spend it,” she said.
“I’m sure this is great fun. It can make you very popular. But it is not the same as being prime minister.
“Andy Burnham needs to do better. He is behaving like he’s still the mayor of Manchester. He is now the prime minister of the United Kingdom, he needs to start acting like it.”
In 2025-26, the WSL replaced the Sunday 18:45 kick-off time with more noon matches, but this also proved unpopular.
“For an away day it’s horrible,” explains Arsenal fan Major. “You’ve got fans leaving at three o’clock in the morning or you’re going the night before and having to pay for a hotel.”
The revised time also clashes with grassroots football, played widely on a Sunday morning. It is a barrier for the younger generation to attend games.
Regular breaks throughout the season are an issue too. Earlier this year, former England defender Anita Asante suggested extended gaps between league games hampers momentum and rhythm for fans.
Another complaint from supporters is accessibility.
While Premier League-level grounds like Emirates Stadium and Everton’s Goodison Park are well equipped, smaller venues are less accommodating.
Jones, a wheelchair user, was frustrated by the lack of Blue Badge parking information when trying to attend London City’s away trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
“A lot of the issues I experience are with communication,” she says. “Every club has an accessibility section on their website but for Tottenham it is only for the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, not Brisbane Road [where Tottenham women play].”
Jones told BBC Sport the onus was on her to seek further information via email, to which she received a reply stating Blue Badge parking had sold out. Only after she spoke to Tottenham’s disability co-ordinator did she learn the venue did not have Blue Badge parking as it was in a residential area.
To compound matters, the wheelchair accessible allocation was on the opposite side of the ground to the away section, leaving Jones isolated.
Tottenham Hotspur told BBC Sport information for the venue is available on the website via the ‘Ask Spurs’ chatbot. However, after an internal investigation, they are making improvements.
Brisbane Road-specific guidance has since been added to their event day accessible parking section on ‘Ask Spurs’, while a matchday-specific guide is in the works.
A spokesperson for the club confirmed: “We’re working on a full Brisbane Road matchday guide for the website for next season to give parity with our Tottenham Hotspur Stadium information.”
A former Biden official tells Al Jazeera that Lebanon’s pilot zones will only create an environment for Hezbollah to continue its armed resistance. Former State Department official, Jennifer Gavito, says she has a difficult time imagining Israel fully withdrawing from Lebanon.
Vernon Kay said he’s “loved working” on BBC Radio 2 as he jokingly started thinking about his exit from the broadcaster, after an on-air blunder led to him uttering a rude word by mistake
Vernon Kay has joked he’ll “be in trouble” after making a hilarious on-air slip-up (Image: BBC Radio 2)
Vernon Kay said he’s “loved working” on BBC Radio 2 after an awkward mishap led to a warning from his colleague. His gaffe could be heard on yesterday’s broadcast of his mid-morning BBC Radio 2 show (July 14), as he revealed the contents of a message regarding a particular brand of footwear.
As he read it out, “Crocs” came out sounding uncomfortably close to a very different word, which would be inappropriate to utter on the airwaves, and the result was an immediate on-air .
Reading the message aloud, Vernon said: “Hey, Vern. I wear Crocs with socks. And they’re proper, not proper c***s…Crocs”, in a gaffe that sent the studio into fits of laughter.
He continued: “Oh, clip that. Clip that. I want that on my…not my highlights, my lowlights”. Barely able to contain his laughter, Vernon pressed on: “I hope you have got proper…Crocs, cos if you’ve not got proper Crocs, then you’re gonna be in trouble.”
His co-star, BBC Radio 2’s travel news presenter Ellie Brennan, mischievously cautioned: “You are gonna be in trouble.” Vernon then quipped: “I hope my Crocs work cos at our age, you never know.” As the hilarity ensued, his colleague chimed in with “especially with socks on”.
Vernon cheekily fired back: “No, keep your socks on; it’s safer.” As the pair struggled to get the show back on track, he jested: “I’ve loved working here. Thanks very much. Had a great time.”
The radio mishap also follows fresh attention on Vernon’s personal life after Tess Daly was photographed at the Wimbledon final wearing her wedding rings, despite the pair recently confirming their separation.
Their split was made public in May, with the TV stars clarifying that there’s no bad blood between them.
Back in September 2003, Vernon and Tess married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich. They’ve since had two daughters — Phoebe and Amber — and confirmed via Instagram that they’ve decided to split, saying the separation is amicable.
The statement read: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.”
It continued: “This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.
“We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.
“There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together.” The pair signed off by saying they wouldn’t be saying anything else publicly.
But on Sunday (July 12), Tess was spotted arriving at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for Wimbledon, where she was her still wearing her rings despite the sad news.
Jackie Dobbs was a firm favourite on Coronation Street as Tyrone’s jailbird mum who caused plenty of drama
20:55, 09 Jul 2026Updated 20:58, 09 Jul 2026
Where is Coronation Street Tyrone’s adopted mum star now including working in pub(Image: ITV)
Jackie Dobbs was last seen on Coronation Street in 2010 – but what has the actress Margi Clarke been up to since?
Jackie first turned up in Weatherfield back in 1998 after a stint in jail with Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride), Jackie moved to the cobbles with son Tyrone (Alan Halsall) who had been a teenager at the time.
Jackie later returned in 2008 with bright pink hair and caused problems for Tyrone and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) in the run-up to their wedding. Jackie then left the soap for the final time in 2010.
However, fast forward to 2018 and it was revealed that Jackie had been killed off and she isn’t actually Tyrone’s biological mum, instead it is Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney). And this week, Tyrone’s biological father Ross Wilkes (Ian Burfield) rocks up.
So, with Tyrone set for another family bombshell, we’re taking a look inside the life of the actress who played his mum Jackie…
Margi Clarke’s acting roles
Before actress Margi joined Corrie in 1998, she was best known for her roles in Channel 4 soap Brookside, and the 1985 cult British film Letter To Brezhnev. Other TV appearances include Casualty, BBC’s Making Out and she even appeared in the Pet Shop Boys’ video for their 1987 single, Rent.
The bubbly star also turned her hand to presenting, fronting her own daytime show, Swank, in the ‘90s. Trying her hand at stand-up comedy, Margi also took her show, 21st Century Scutt, to the Edinburgh Festival in 1994.
After leaving Corrie in 1999, she joined the cast of Five soap Family Affairs for just under a year. She also appeared in the 2002 film Revengers Tragedy and 24 Hour Party People, the biopic of the Factory/Hacienda days in Manchester.
And in 2008, she returned to a prime-time starring role in the second series of the British sitcom Benidorm on ITV, playing Dorothy, mother of long-running character Gavin (Hugh Sachs).
Margi’s health setback
In the nineties, Margi took a three year sabbatical following the death of her beloved mum Frances Clarke, in 1995. Around the time of her mum’s death, Margi battled a drinking issue – which she successfully overcame – and it led to a shock health setback.
“My drinking began in 1996 and was triggered by my mother’s death from lung cancer, which left me devastated,” she told The Northern Echo in 2010.
Margi added: “The drinking had a real impact on my health. I ended up with a nasty yeast infection which left me feeling really sick with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and covered in blisters on my skin and in my mouth, and with painful athlete’s foot.”
The actress previously told the Liverpool Echo she was still grieving for her mum when she took on the role of Tyrone’s mum Jackie in Corrie in 1998 and admitted she did not play the part to the best of her ability.
Margi worked in a pub
Unfortunately, Margi hasn’t graced our screens for several years. As IMBD reports, her last TV role was in 2014, playing Heaven Jones in the BBC comedy Puppy Love.
What’s more, in 2012, Margi revealed she was working as a barmaid at Ma Egerton’s pub in Liverpool. She told the Liverpool Confidential: “Every actor takes on other work when they are waiting for the next big job.”
Margi also revealed to Mirror: “With my strong accent getting roles in straight theatre has always been a bit difficult.
“But it’s become a whole lot harder now because the drama schools are packed full of so many talented kids. Everybody wants to be famous these days but there aren’t many roles for older Scouse women.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
