Iran and Oman have clarified the overall framework of their agreement, while Iran is considering banning vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel from passing through its waters; however, Trump stated that negotiations have 'made progress.'
U.S. officials recently stated that the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports once an agreement to restore unimpeded commercial shipping is announced. Senior Iranian officials said that if Gulf states fail to persuade Trump to halt military actions against Iran and instead resolve the conflict through negotiations, Iran would strike critical infrastructure—including oil, electricity, and water supply systems—in those countries.
Express News | U.S. officials stated that talks between Oman and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz have made progress, with an agreement expected soon.
Express News | Iran Plans to Tighten Transit Rules in the Strait of Hormuz
ICBC Asia facilitated the first RMB-settled LNG 'Cross-border Connect' transaction for a CNOOC subsidiary.
ICBC Asia announced that it recently collaborated with ICBC Shanghai Branch to assist CNOOC Gas & Power Group International Trading Co., Ltd.—a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited (HKEX: 00883)—in settling its inaugural cross-border liquefied natural gas (LNG) “Cross-border Connect” pilot transaction in renminbi (RMB). In this transaction, ICBC Asia handled offshore fund clearing, while ICBC Shanghai Branch leveraged its onshore capabilities to complete the domestic RMB fund pooling. The entire settlement cycle was reduced from several days to mere minutes, significantly enhancing transaction efficiency and eliminating foreign exchange risks traditionally associated with LNG import trades, which are typically settled in foreign currencies for international procurement while sales within mainland China are priced in RMB.
Why Did Trump TACO Again? Analyzing the Ultimate Outcome in the Strait of Hormuz
Winning the election is critically important; Trump cannot afford a prolonged conflict. Iran has gained de facto control over the Strait, and there are two proposed tolling schemes that would save Trump's face—securing a ceasefire from the Houthis would not be difficult.
Iran has disclosed for the first time its new proposal regarding Hormuz, stating that the United States had proactively sought talks, but mere compliance with obligations is insufficient to reopen the Strait.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister stated that arrangements regarding the Strait should be decided solely through consultations between Iran and Oman, and Iran will under no circumstances accept interference from any external power. Under the new arrangement, the current temporary shipping lanes within the Strait will be closed, and a large volume of vessel traffic will henceforth be rerouted through Iranian territorial waters. According to reports, the proposed agreement with Oman grants Iran control over vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz—a significant concession obtained by Tehran to date. Iran plans to levy a fee of 5%–7% of cargo value on ships, while Oman has proposed a rate of approximately 3%. The United States opposes any such charges.
Express News | Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: New Arrangements for Strait of Hormuz Will Close Temporary Shipping Lane
Express News | Iran says it has reached an agreement with Oman on shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz
Southbound Capital Tracker | Net selling of approximately HK$1.4 billion; inflows into multiple AI hardware-related stocks, while reducing positions in Tencent
① Southbound funds recorded approximately HK$126.6 billion in trading volume on the day—into which stocks did capital continue to flow? ② More than HK$11 billion flowed into SMIC; what has been the recent trend in its holdings?
GTJA Stock Connect Active Trading | August 5
Stock Connect Active Trading | August 5, 2026
Southbound Capital Flows | Southbound capital recorded a net sell-off of HK$1.398 billion; continued buying in SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor, while selling over HK$2 billion worth of Tracker Fund of Hong Kong (02800) throughout the day
On August 5, southbound capital recorded a net selling of HK$1.398 billion in the Hong Kong stock market. Specifically, Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect saw a net selling of HK$1.577 billion, while Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect recorded a net buying of HK$179 million.
Express News | Southbound funds recorded a net sale of RMB 1.398 billion today. Via the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Tracker Fund of Hong Kong and Tencent were net sold by HKD 2.031 billion and HKD 69 million, respectively; SMIC led in net purchases with HKD 309 mi
Market Snapshot | All three major indices rose, with the Hang Seng Tech Index gaining nearly 1%; PCB concept and semiconductor stocks strengthened, with Kingboard Laminates up over 10% and Hua Hong Hongli up nearly 5%; gold stocks advanced, with Zijin Gol
Technology and internet stocks rose broadly, with SenseTime-W up 2.28% and Alibaba-W up 1.83%; non-ferrous metal stocks advanced across the board, with Zijin Gold International up 10.16% and CMOC Group up 8.65%; semiconductor stocks also saw widespread gains, with GigaDevice up 5.70% and Hua Hong Hongli up 4.74%.
Hong Kong Stock Market Update | Oil stocks decline collectively; CNOOC (0883.HK) drops over 3% as Brent crude falls below USD 80 amid anticipated Strait agreement
Oil stocks declined across the board. As of the time of writing, CNOOC (00883.HK) fell 3.14% to HK$22.86, and China Oilfield Services (2883.HK) dropped 1.65% to HK$6.865.
Oil stocks declined as the U.S. may reach an agreement with Iran in the near term to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, causing international oil prices to plunge sharply yesterday.
Gelonghui, August 5 — Hong Kong-listed oil stocks broadly declined, with Yanchang Petroleum International plunging nearly 14% after issuing a profit warning. PetroChina fell 3%, CNOOC dropped 2.4%, China Oilfield Services declined 2%, and Kunlun Energy, Sinopec, and Shanghai Petrochemical followed lower. On the news front, international oil prices plunged sharply overnight, with WTI crude briefly falling more than 6% and dropping below USD 76 per barrel. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that the United States might reach an agreement with Iran in the near term to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, sparking market expectations of increased crude supply and triggering a sell-off in oil prices. On the individual stock front, Yanchang Petroleum International
Iran stated it has made 'positive progress' in talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and reports indicate it has abandoned its demand for 'full bilateral control' and is considering for the first time allowing European mine-clearing operations.
It has been reported that Iran proposed assuming responsibility for the navigation management of all vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz, while retaining oversight and the right to intervene, if necessary, for vessels departing the strait. Discussions included allowing European countries with mature mine-countermeasure capabilities—such as the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, none of which directly participated in military operations against Iran—to conduct mine-clearing operations. Iran stated that its negotiations with Oman regarding the strait focus on ensuring navigational safety.
Express News | U.S. Media: Iran Considering Allowing European Nations to Conduct Mine Clearance in the Strait of Hormuz
Express News | U.S. Treasury Secretary: Agreement with Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz may be reached as early as tomorrow
Express News | U.S. and Iranian officials say Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. and Iran enter a 'war of endurance': Iran bets that the U.S. will buckle first under the energy turmoil.
Officials and analysts in the Gulf region believe that Iran is pursuing a strategy of 'gradual escalation,' expanding threats against Middle Eastern trade routes, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure. However, this incremental game of probing red lines could at any moment escalate into a major conflict that neither side can contain.