Key facts
- The OIC secretary-general welcomed a joint defence agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated the defence pact is open to participation by other friendly nations.
- Iran's president stated Tehran is prepared for dialogue to protect national interests but not at the expense of sovereignty.
- US Central Command has taken action against commercial vessels in relation to a naval blockade of Iran.
- Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz saw a 33% decrease on August 7.
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissen Brahim Taha, has welcomed a joint defence agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is open to participation by other friendly nations. Bahrain, Yemen’s internationally recognised government, and a former Qatari prime minister also expressed support for the pact.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated Tehran's readiness for dialogue to protect its national interests, emphasizing that demands undermining its sovereignty or defensive capabilities will not be accepted. A US official noted progress between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with an expected deal soon.
United States Central Command reported redirecting 51 commercial vessels, disabling two, and boarding two others since reinstating a naval blockade of Iran on July 14. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was subdued on August 7, with eight confirmed crossings, a 33% decrease from the previous day.
In other developments, two civilians were killed in Houthi attacks on Marib, with the armed forces responding to the strikes. Several Palestinians, including ambulance officers, were injured in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers across the West Bank. Unicef stated that at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza in the 300 days since a ceasefire was announced in October 2025. Israeli artillery also shelled the vicinity of al-Mansouri. A top US general expressed concern about military options with Iran, fearing potential backlash and the need for an 'off-ramp' from the conflict.