Aug 11, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Diplomatic efforts to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain suspended between optimistic timelines and strict demands. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks mediated by Oman on regulated maritime corridors are near completion, but stressed the waterway will not fully reopen without U.S. sanctions relief, war damage compensation, and an end to military threats.

Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested an agreement could be reached imminently, while simultaneously downplaying the situation as a "chess game" and threatening heavy consequences if transit is not restored.

Concurrently, a seventh round of talks between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Rome as approximately 800,000 displaced Lebanese returned south, and an Indian vessel was struck and sunk off Yemen's coast.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, Dan, Klix, Vijesti.

Search and rescue operations continue in western Colombia after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The tremor struck at a depth between 82 and 107 kilometers, sending severe shakes across major urban centers, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

In Cali, local authorities reported that at least 20 buildings collapsed, trapping multiple residents beneath the rubble. Casualty figures remain fluid as emergency crews clear affected sites, with media reports citing conflicting death tolls ranging from 47 to over 80 people. Dozens of others have been injured as officials continue assessing the full scale of destruction.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has concluded a two-day visit to Belgrade, where he met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss European integration and bilateral relations.

Following the signing of a bilateral memorandum, Vučić emphasized that Serbia respects Ukraine's territorial integrity under the UN Charter and confirmed that Belgrade would not block Kyiv's European Union ambitions. Zelenskyy similarly expressed gratitude for Serbia's support and noted that the EU "must not lose Serbia."

Addresses during the summit focused primarily on diplomatic alignment. Vučić stated that he did not discuss "any military cooperation" with Zelenskyy, while expressing hope for a swift end to the conflict.

The visit triggered varied reactions across the region. Commentators noted internal political divisions in Serbia and potential European pressure, while Russian media framed the meeting as Vučić attempting to secure Western backing ahead of upcoming domestic elections.

Sources: Beta, Danas, HRT Vijesti, Klix, N1.

The United States is adjusting its foreign policy and security apparatus through several key diplomatic developments. Retired Marine General Ronald Johnson has received Senate confirmation to serve as the new US ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Sarajevo currently processing official approval.

Concurrently, FBI Director Kash Patel announced enhanced law enforcement cooperation with China and Russia, framing them as "non-traditional partners." The collaboration involves officer exchanges, joint intelligence sharing, and coordinated arrests. In response to separate US commercial curbs, Beijing's Commerce Ministry enacted countermeasures banning domestic trade with seven American entities and restricting drone technology exports. Meanwhile, the State Department notified Congress of plans to shutter five global diplomatic posts to reduce costs, prompting concerns over diminishing American influence abroad.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, Index, Klix, Vijesti.