Strait of Hormuz & Oman: Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz stayed front and centre as the US said there are “no talks” with Iran and kept its naval blockade in place, while Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf insisted the strait won’t reopen until US commitments are met—lifting the blockade, oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets. Maritime Safety: Another projectile strike hit a vessel transiting Hormuz, damaging an engine room and injuring a crew member; Omani Coast Guard assisted. US-Rhetoric Shock: Trump escalated the standoff by posting a map labelling Hormuz “NEW U.S. TERRITORY,” drawing sharp pushback from Tehran. Oman Tourism Demand: In Dhofar, Razat Royal Farm bookings through early September sold out on every operating date shown, while Salalah airport arrivals rose 8% in late June–July. Oman Air Connectivity: Oman Air marks 25 years of Muscat–Kochi service with discounts and up to 25% off Business Class fares. Sports & Youth: Dhofar prepares for the fifth School Beach Sports Championship in Salalah (Aug 29–Sep 3), and Oman women head to Hangzhou for the Belt & Road Women’s T20I tournament. Business & Growth: Oman’s tourism development arm OMRAN Group appointed Badar Hamed Al Abri as Chief Operations Officer, and Savills flagged an all-time high pipeline of Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) projects.