Strait of Hormuz & regional travel: The US again claims “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as commercial traffic stays thin, while Iran says the waterway will remain closed unless its demands are met—keeping uncertainty high for flights, shipping and travel planning across the Gulf. Oman oil spill response: Oman says oil from a grounded tanker has reached the mainland, with beaches in Ras Madrakah affected and public urged to stay away from contaminated areas while monitoring continues. Environmental risk from the conflict: Researchers warn pollution from the Iran war could linger for years, with oil contamination reported around Qeshm and concerns that air, soil and coastal ecosystems may be hit long-term. Dhofar tourism push: Oman Air Sports Committee kicks off “Air Sports Village” in Taqah, running until 17 August, mixing paragliding, kite flying and drone demos to draw visitors during Khareef. Business & hospitality in Oman: AMEA Oman 2026 is set for Muscat on 23 November, positioning the Sultanate as a logistics hub at the gateway to Hormuz. People on the move: A Zambian caregiver in distress has been repatriated from Oman after her passport was confiscated and she was forced into long labor.