Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran’s top security official issued sweeping conditions for reopening the waterway, demanding sanctions and a naval blockade be lifted, frozen assets released, war reparations paid, and threats against regional allies ended—casting fresh doubt on near-term shipping and consumer fuel relief. Gulf Condemnation: Bahrain and the UAE (with Saudi) condemned a missile attack on an ADNOC-linked tanker in Hormuz as a blatant violation of international law, urging UN action and calling for Iran to stop attacks on commercial shipping. Energy Cost Reality Check: A U.S. energy analysis says American crude and LNG output helped cushion the global shock from Hormuz disruptions, but low inventories mean margins are thin—so consumers could still feel volatility. Kuwait Energy Tech Push: Halliburton won a long-term contract with Kuwait Oil Company to support an upstream R&D centre, betting on data and AI to improve field performance amid regional disruption. Food Safety Recall: A U.S. recall pulled 5,084 pounds of frozen breaded swai fish products made in the UAE (not eligible for export), with no illnesses reported. Aviation Fuel Shift: Dangote’s refinery kept growing its footprint, becoming Europe’s largest imported jet fuel supplier for a second straight month. Travel Consumer Note: Jet2 confirmed holiday documents will now be sent 14 days before departure (not 28), amid heightened Middle East crisis anxiety and fuel-cost concerns.