Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening the fragile shipping recovery after a US-Iran framework aimed at de-escalation; UN efforts to evacuate trapped sailors were also disrupted, while Iran’s nuclear pledge faces “very strong” verification demands from the IAEA. Gulf Security Demands: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told GCC allies any Iran deal must protect regional security, keep waterways open, and avoid “fees” that could trigger “total chaos,” as Gulf ministers pressed for action on missiles, drones, and proxy support. Oil Market Mood Turns Softer: Oil prices fell more than 2% as supply outlooks outweighed renewed Middle East tensions, even as analysts warned fuel shocks can still feed inflation. Energy Transition in Egypt: Egypt signed an MoU for its first wind turbine manufacturing plant and a 2GW Gulf of Suez wind project, aiming to localize components and boost renewables to 45% of the energy mix. Regional Economic Signals: Goldman Sachs lifted India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8% after the US-Iran peace deal eased oil risks, while South Korea unveiled a major plan to buy 20,000 drones and train “drone warriors,” citing lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East. Crypto Payments Expand in Africa: Coinbase’s Base network now hosts 25+ local-currency stablecoins, including naira and rand, as issuers push beyond dollar-only settlement.