Iran Talks: US VP JD Vance says Washington has made “some progress” in Iran negotiations, but warns Tehran must prove it can deliver longer-term changes; the push is tied to a pending settlement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Gaza Diplomacy: Israel’s PM Netanyahu formally rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying there will be no withdrawal until Hamas fully disarms, deepening the rift with Washington. Regional Defense: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan’s Mecca mutual defense pact faces immediate tests after Houthis claimed a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, raising questions about what “attack on one is attack on all” means in practice. Maritime Security: Reuters reports a Houthi attack in Bab el-Mandeb killed three crew members, adding pressure to shipping already strained by Hormuz uncertainty. Energy Policy: Bangladesh’s energy minister says the government is stepping up efforts to ease a gas crisis and expand solar power, including talks on cooperation for Bhola gas. Fuel Subsidies: Indonesia says subsidized fuel prices will not rise, while non-subsidized prices will track global oil moves. Kuwait Response Funding: Kuwait Emergency Response Fund hits KD 75.37m in contributions as ministries submit preliminary requests for urgent projects. Education Exchange: The US and Pakistan sign a five-year education exchange deal expanding Fulbright and other academic cooperation. Airport Watch: Heathrow says Iran-US conflict has weighed on Middle East route traffic as Istanbul overtakes it as Europe’s busiest airport in July.