Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen until the US “corrects” its behavior, demands full force withdrawal, sanctions relief and compensation, while the UAE says an Iranian missile targeted one of its ships—keeping talks with Oman and US “semi-negotiations” in limbo. Regional Security Realignment: The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is being framed as a new deterrence architecture by regional analysts, with Jordan urged to weigh strategic interests carefully as Gulf states diversify beyond traditional US guarantees. Yemen Front Intensifies: Houthis resumed attacks on Mokha port with ballistic missiles and drones, threatening the 2022 Yemen truce and raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. Gaza Plan Friction: The UAE and other Muslim-majority governments accused Israel of undermining the Gaza peace plan, while Netanyahu rejected Trump’s 15-point proposal over sequencing and Hamas disarmament. Government & Services Procurement: Saudi low-cost carrier flynas signed a framework deal to provide government travel services starting Q4 2026 under EXPRO procurement rules. Humanitarian Cost of Fuel Crisis: Tonga’s government announced a one-off $100 top-up for senior citizens amid fuel-price pressures, as broader relief measures target vulnerable households. Energy Supply for Europe: Cyprus advanced the Cronos gas project, positioning it as an alternative non-Russian supply route for Europe via Egypt’s LNG infrastructure. Workforce Tragedy: A deadly factory fire in Riyadh killed 16 Bangladeshis, with Bangladesh’s PM directing foreign-expatriate welfare coordination to speed repatriation.