Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman is pushing a Gulf-backed plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz via a joint mechanism where Iran could receive “voluntary” fees, aiming to end shipping disruption as U.S.-Iran talks stay fragile. Iran-US Missile Tension: CENTCOM says Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces, with all intercepted, snapping a brief calm and keeping regional travel and shipping risk elevated. Shipping Disruption Watch: Red Sea tanker traffic is down sharply as Houthi attacks disrupt routes, with some vessels reportedly rerouting around Africa—bad news for energy-linked travel planning. New Direct Flights to Boost Tourism: Air Tanzania officially launches direct Muscat–Dar es Salaam service (three flights weekly), with the airline also highlighting onward connections to Zanzibar and Tanzania’s heritage sites. Sustainable Tourism Push: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism issues the Al Hajar Geopark booklet (Arabic/English), spotlighting 20 tourism products to support eco-tourism. Family & Community Sports: Sports Summer 2026 wraps up in Muscat with 1,630 beneficiaries, including inclusive disability badminton and a first girls’ football training centre. Skywatch for Travelers: Oman’s astronomy group flags the Delta Aquariid meteor shower peak on July 30–31, though moonlight may dim fainter meteors.