Hormuz Diplomacy: Gulf states back Oman’s plan to let Iran collect voluntary fees for using the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ease oil-shipping disruption as US-Iran tensions simmer and Washington weighs whether to restart strikes. Drone & Oil Security: Qatar, Pakistan and the OIC condemned drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, with Saudi blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq and urging Baghdad to stop its territory being used for launches. Red Sea Shipping Pressure: Bab el-Mandeb traffic fell sharply after Houthi attacks on Saudi installations, while Yemen’s government warned it’s ready for escalation and said rebels are trying to replicate Iran’s Hormuz-style leverage. UAE Tech & Justice: The UAE launched the world’s first fully integrated AI-powered judicial platform, designed to speed case processing while keeping human judges in charge. Kuwait Investment Deal: Kuwait Oil Company signed a $16bn pipeline leaseback with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR, with Kuwait retaining majority ownership and operational control of strategic assets. Bahrain F1 Logistics: Bahrain will bear the F1 rights fees for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with ticket pricing ultimately decided by Bahrain. UAE Payments & Travel: Emirates rolled out Crypto.com Pay for flight bookings in the UAE, expanding digital payment options for travelers. Oman Fires Data: Oman recorded 5,560 fire incidents in 2025, up 12%, as authorities push stronger prevention and summer safety.