Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran says the Strait remains closed and any passage needs Tehran coordination, rejecting US claims that lanes are open; Iran links reopening to US commitments under the Islamabad MoU while Oman talks continue. Sanctions Pressure: Iran’s leaders admit the economic toll as inflation hits 66% and foreign trade shrinks by a third, while the US expands “economic D-Day” secondary sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, shipping, aviation, tech and digital assets. Maritime Security—Somalia: Turkish and Somali forces freed the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf after a 10-day anti-piracy operation that killed 14 pirates and destroyed four boats; the ship has resumed its voyage. Black Sea Shipping Tensions: Turkey summoned Ukraine’s ambassador over attacks on Turkish-operated vessels, warning about navigation and safety risks for global food supplies. Logistics & Trade Disruption: IMO reports hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers still stranded in the Gulf as Hormuz risk persists. Infrastructure Push in Gulf: Gulf states are accelerating ports and pipeline investment to reduce reliance on Hormuz amid redirected trade flows. Aviation/Travel Disruption: US updated travel advisories for Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, citing Iran-linked security risks and disrupted commercial aviation. Regional Transport Projects: Iraq’s Al-Rutba district pitches logistics and industrial development using power, minerals and proximity to border roads. Industry Event: Rex Fuels Expo & Conference heads to Muscat, spotlighting bitumen, fuels, refining and logistics supply-chain shifts.