Reuters reported on Thursday that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are signing a joint defense agreement. While that may seem as if it is just a protection against an unstable Iran, we need to remember that it would be defense against any entity, and that both Turkey and Pakistan are military powers with ballistic missiles (and in Pakistan's case, nuclear weapons) and committed Islamic states. (Although Turkey is not officially a Muslim Nation, it is being run as such by Erdogan.) Given the recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, including one on Thursday that injured 11 Saudis, it will be interesting to see how this alliance deals with those attacks.
Oman and Iran have agreed upon an alliance to open up the Strait of Hormuz. But according to Iranian news agency Tasnim, "Passage of vessels belonging to the U.S., Israel and other hostile nations through the strait will be banned. Cargo related to Israel, whether military or civilian, will not be allowed to pass." It also states that "countries that have caused damage to Iran will not be permitted to pass until compensation is paid. Heavy fines, including up to 20 percent of the cargo value, are expected for violators."
This was said at the same time that Donald Trump was declaring that there is almost a deal between the U.S. and Iran. The president said on Thursday, "But I think we're making very good progress. I'm involved in negotiations, and I think things are fine. It could happen soon, yes." But the Iranians have said that they are not talking with the U.S., and that we will not be involved in running the Strait at all.
After a long week that included an extremist Jihadi Muslim winning a Senate primary; the U.S. seemingly losing power in the Strait, with Iran gaining power; and Iran admitting that they are developing weapons every day of this 'ceasefire,” we all need the healing power and respite from news that comes with Shabbat.
To really appreciate the rest of the Sabbath in God's protective hands, the key is to first be grateful for all the blessings we experience in life. I enjoin you to take a few minutes and go outside over this beautiful summer weekend. Just look at the stars if it is the evening, the sky and the plants if it is during the daytime, and appreciate the many gifts each of us receives in nature.
And gaining a deeper awareness of these blessings will allow each of us to have a little fuller taste of the Sabbath this weekend, something we all can use.
May we each be blessed with that awareness, and bask in the rest and beauty of Shabbat.
Chazak u'Baruch
Rabbi Michael Barclay
August 7, 2026
24th of Av, 5786
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