Strait of Hormuz Watch: Oil jumped as hopes of reopening faded, with Iran insisting the waterway stays restricted until U.S. demands are met, while the U.S. says it’s keeping economic pressure on Iranian ports. Maritime Flashpoints: The U.S. reported firing on a Panama-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to breach the blockade; separate reports also point to renewed risks across key shipping lanes. Oman Environment Update: Oman said a grounded “shadow fleet” tanker spill near the Hallaniyat Islands has spread across about 400km², with no threat to desalination or tourism facilities, as cleanup efforts continue. Local Mobility: Ride-hailing in Oman is expanding under licensed apps, with features like trip tracking and fares set before travel. Sports & Travel Readiness: The Oman Olympic Committee held an Elite Athletes Forum for teams heading to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, covering rights, safeguarding, anti-doping and mental readiness. Culture on the Move: An Omani film by Haitham Al Farsi won Best Film at Spain’s Food Film List in the “Urban-Rural Connectivity” category, spotlighting Ramadan dining in Sur. Tourism Business Angle: A piece on Oman’s investment momentum highlights rising foreign direct investment and growth in locally regulated investment funds. Human Interest (Oman-linked): A woman allegedly trapped in Muscat after being taken on a tourist visa has returned to India following intervention involving local coordination and embassy support.