Hormuz Disruption: Thai rice shipments to Iraq are being rerouted overland via Jordan and Türkiye as Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt Gulf shipping, with Aqaba transit up sharply year-on-year. Maritime Security Escalation: The U.S. says it struck three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on U.S. warships, while Iran warns of wider retaliation—raising fresh risks for commercial shipping and energy logistics. Port Throughput & Food Supply: Qatar’s Hamad Port handled 90,000+ tonnes of grain from May to July, highlighting its 24/7 operations and connectivity as a food-security backbone. Frontline Route Protection: Ukraine has equipped 1,382.6 km of key logistics routes with anti-drone protection, with more sections under way as strikes keep pressure on transport corridors. Trade Facilitation Push: Pakistan’s maritime minister proposes a one-roof Maritime Business Facilitation Centre to cut port delays and reduce costs tied to trucking, storage and demurrage. Energy Cost Pressure: U.S. gasoline is heading toward record Labor Day levels as Middle East war jitters lift crude and refined fuel prices, with knock-on effects for freight and everyday goods. Regional Trade Reform: Pakistan’s EU GSP+ next phase will hinge on measurable implementation on human rights, labour and environmental commitments—watching how compliance rules may affect export logistics. Cold Chain/Tech: EPAM’s partnership with Wiz targets cloud risk remediation, including work already delivered across transportation and logistics clients.