Israel's foreign minister said Israel is working with the United States to continue opposing the International Criminal Court, noting several countries have recently withdrawn and urging continuation of that process in coordination with US sanctions measures.

Financial Times: AstraZeneca is exploring a merger with U.S. peer Bristol Myers Squibb that would create one of the world’s largest drugmakers with a combined market value near $400 bln. The companies have held talks in recent months and could reach an agreement soon, but negotiations may also be delayed or collapse. AstraZeneca’s market cap is about £196 bln; Bristol Myers Squibb’s is about $133 bln. The transaction would further accelerate AstraZeneca’s strategic shift toward the U.S. market.

On Aug. 2 Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi told a cabinet meeting negotiations with Oman on arrangements to manage safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are progressing smoothly, have entered a final stage and are nearing completion. On July 26 Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei said talks with Oman on common principles and operational mechanisms for Strait of Hormuz maritime security were productive and had made some progress. Araghchi spoke by phone on July 27 with the foreign ministers of Oman and Saudi Arabia to discuss the Strait and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation.