State media reported the IRGC deputy commander said Iranian armed forces fully control the Strait of Hormuz. He said fighters are fully deployed across southern Iran and Persian Gulf islands and are ready to assert Iranian authority over the key waterway.

Gold declined despite a softer dollar as investors await US inflation data for clues on Fed policy. Naeem Aslam of Zaye Capital Markets said gold holding above the $4,400 area suggests defensive demand remains sufficient to offset pressure from a strong US labor market. Markets are balancing US data that support further hikes against geopolitical uncertainty that sustains safe-haven flows; attention now turns to US PPI and CPI later this week.

Japan foreign minister MOTEGI and Iranian foreign minister Araghchi held a 20-minute phone call at 16:30 Beijing time on Sept. 8, the Japanese foreign ministry said. MOTEGI voiced serious concern over a renewed escalation in U.S.-Iran military tensions, urged urgent de-escalation and a resumption of U.S.-Iran dialogue, and pressed Iran to show maximum flexibility. On the Strait of Hormuz, Japan said future management should be discussed under international law by coastal states, strait users and the IMO. MOTEGI also stressed the need to ensure stability in the Bab al-Mandeb, said Japan would cooperate with the Yemeni government, and called on Iran to exert strong influence on the Houthi to exercise restraint. Araghchi outlined Iran’s position.