On August 9, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed former senior military adviser Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and named former secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the supreme leader’s political adviser, effectively demoting Zolghadr. Rezaei, a longtime senior regime insider who previously served as IRGC commander and Expediency Discernment Council secretary, is viewed as a hardliner aligned with the anti‑concessions faction. He said on August 3 that Iran should maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz and that recent drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases have compelled U.S. forces to move further from the region, indicating he believes the attacks have achieved key Iranian objectives. Iranian officials have continued to threaten regional states that assist the United States in restoring freedom of navigation, with Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamid Babai stating on August 9 that Iran will attack any country that helps the United States. The regime has repeatedly struck regional actors to deter assistance, and Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated on August 9 that Iran will not negotiate with the United States while it violates a June memorandum of understanding, though talks with Oman are in the final stages and will not reopen the strait. On August 8, Houthi forces conducted a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia; Saudi officials confirmed the fire was extinguished the same day, and Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed responsibility on August 9. The attack follows Saudi Arabia’s August 7 defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan in response to shared regional threats, including Iran and its Houthi allies, and Houthi officials have said they will sustain naval blockades and attacks on Saudi targets until Saudi Arabia lifts its blockade on shipping and aid to Houthi‑controlled Yemen. No notable developments were reported in U.S. or partner military operations or Iranian strike campaigns during the 24‑hour period.