Red Sea & Saudi Airspace: Yemen’s Houthis escalated against Saudi Arabia, claiming missile-and-drone strikes on Riyadh and Aramco-linked facilities in Yanbu; Saudi air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and reported thwarted attacks across multiple cities, prompting fresh air alerts and potential flight disruption. Hormuz Shipping Surge: Despite the US-Iran standoff, CENTCOM says more than 2,000 commercial vessels have been assisted through the Strait of Hormuz and over 1 billion barrels of crude moved in recent months, with main lanes cleared of mines—though Iran also claims tanker attacks, keeping risk elevated for shipping. Fuel Costs Hit Logistics: US diesel hit a record $6.49 a gallon, with analysts pointing to tight distillate supplies and higher refining margins tied to Hormuz disruption—pressuring trucking and raising downstream transport costs. Iran-US Talks vs. Blockade: Iran says Qatar has conveyed seven conditions to restart negotiations with the US, including ending the war on all fronts, releasing frozen funds, and ending the naval blockade; Tehran warns of “decisive war” if demands are rejected. Regional Defense Cooperation: Turkey offered technical military support to Saudi under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Pakistan as Houthi pressure grows, while Italy prepares additional naval escorts for Bab al-Mandeb traffic.