Strait of Hormuz & Oil Logistics: Trump rejected Iran’s seven-day, conditional plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while mediators said indirect US-Iran talks are still moving forward; oil jumped with Brent near $107 and WTI near $95 as shipping risk and supply disruption fears linger. US-Iran Claims Clash: CENTCOM dismissed Iran’s “full control” narrative, saying commercial traffic continues and Iran lacks operational control; Iran also reiterated it will not soften its Hormuz terms. Aviation Disruption & Legal Moves: Iran denied reports of resuming flights to Iraq and filed a formal ICAO complaint over US-imposed aviation restrictions; Iraq’s Nujaba movement urged Baghdad to reconsider suspending Iranian flights, citing US pressure. Saudi Export Route Resilience: Saudi Arabia restarted oil exports via the East-West Pipeline after repairs from Sept. 10 drone strikes, restoring an alternative to Hormuz amid ongoing maritime risk. Regional Transit Cooperation: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye pushed customs and border-efficiency steps to speed trade along the East-West route. Local Transport Cost Pressure: In the Philippines, fare hikes for jeepneys took effect but a transport strike was still planned, reflecting wider Middle East-driven fuel pressure. Logistics & Trade Growth: Dubai’s EZDubai Logistics Hub reported UAE e-commerce growth to Dhs42.2bn in 2025, underpinned by expanding logistics capacity.