The relevant associations comprise the Asian Shipowners Association (ASA), BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), European Shipowners (ECSA), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and the World Shipping Council (WSC).

The letter emphasizes that implementing tariffs might result in increased expenses for consumers and threaten the ideals of free navigation. The associations cautioned that setting such a precedent would make it harder to oppose comparable actions in other regions, leading to uncertainty for global trade and international shipping.

On August 3, Iranian media stated that Tehran plans to impose fees for various maritime services offered in collaboration with Oman in the Strait of Hormuz when the waterway is reopened. According to CNN, this would mark a major shift from the situation before the war, when no country managed shipping through the strait.

source: cnn.com

 

Bezos sold 1.2 million shares of Amazon for $286.40 per share. The billionaire has announced intentions to sell 15 million shares, with this stake estimated at more than $4 billion, according to Bloomberg. This transaction of Amazon stocks represents Bezos's first sale in 2026.

Despite selling a portion of his shares, Bezos continues to hold 8.16% of Amazon, according to Bloomberg. A representative from the company did not reply to a request for comments.

On Monday, August 3, Amazon's market value surpassed $3 trillion for the first time. The firm's stock surged significantly following the announcement of robust outcomes for its cloud sector in the second quarter of 2026. At their highest, Amazon shares climbed to $287.20, but subsequently reduced some of their increases.

In 2021, Bezos resigned as CEO of Amazon but continued as chairman of the board. According to Bloomberg, he has sold over $38 billion in shares since 2020. Additionally, the rise in sales occurred simultaneously with a rise in the billionaire's personal expenditures, the agency observed. For instance, following his relocation to Florida in 2023, Bezos invested over $230 million in Miami properties and approximately $500 million on a luxury yacht.

source: bloomberg.com

 

The hackers created counterfeit websites aimed at capturing passwords from workers at financial institutions and private equity firms.

In a blog post released on Thursday about the hacker attacks, Google refrained from naming the affected companies, but it did mention the websites established by the hackers: Redact, Pink, Helix, Falcon, and others. Seventy-two websites of this kind were established.

As per Reuters' investigation, the firms affected by the assaults include Blackstone, Bridgewater, Apollo Global Management, KKR, Bain Capital, CME, and Moody's.

Google, which chose not to comment on the agency's conclusions, mentioned that in certain instances, unnamed companies paid ransoms to cybercriminals. The agency could not identify which companies engaged in that activity.

According to experts interviewed by Reuters, the use of simple techniques like phone calls by hackers indicates that the most traditional criminal methods continue to be highly effective.

The firms cited by Reuters either declined to comment or have yet to respond regarding the situation.

source: reuters.com

 

It is reported that on Wednesday and Thursday, August 5-6, Hungary is experiencing very high temperatures ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. Prime Minister Péter Magyar indicated that the heat wave's peak will happen in the coming days, emphasizing the need to voluntarily lower electricity usage from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM local time.

The prime minister expressed gratitude to businesses and households for their voluntary choices to decrease the use of electrical devices during these peak times.

Last week, Magyar declared a temporary closure of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant because of low water levels in the Danube. "Because of the ongoing decline in the Danube water level, one of the two remaining functioning units at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant will halt operations at 1:30 AM," he posted on the social media platform X.

The decrease in water levels is hindering the ability to pump enough cooling fluid into the plant. It is observed that the nuclear power plant can currently function at about 10% of its usual capacity.

source: reuters.com

 

The source highlighted that any pact between Iran and Oman regarding upcoming navigation regulations in the Strait of Hormuz will not result in the prompt reopening of this vital waterway.

Previously, The National reported, referencing a source, that the US and Iran are negotiating a revised version of the memorandum of understanding established last June, specifically concentrating on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The source indicated that the main priority is "to open the Strait of Hormuz and maintain its openness."

Pakistan is facilitating the discussions between Iran and the US. Qatar and Oman are serving as mediators as well.

Axios stated, referencing knowledgeable sources, that a temporary arrangement regarding the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman might be revealed as soon as Wednesday, August 5. US President Donald Trump informed Fox News that Tehran will soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or else the US military will execute a "very strong strike" against Iran.

source: axios.com