Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman for talks aimed at preventing a renewed confrontation after attacks on commercial vessels, as Washington presses Tehran for a public pledge that the waterway is open and safe for shipping. Maritime Fees Debate: European countries are weighing proposals to charge for navigational services in the Strait of Hormuz (like pilotage and safety support) rather than mandatory transit tolls, to avoid legal fights over international transit rights. Shipping Disruption Watch: With tensions flaring, shipping through the Gulf has been described as near-standstill at times, while more than a third of recent crossings used routes close to Iran’s coastline—raising fresh supply-chain risk for oil and trade flows. Legal Fallout for Crews: Three former crew members of the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree, struck in the Strait of Hormuz, filed a labor lawsuit in Bangkok alleging negligence and improper handling during the conflict. Port Operations Hit by Weather: Benapole Land Port in Bangladesh saw waterlogging after heavy rain, with imported goods at risk due to drainage failures and limited insurance coverage. Food Safety & Quick Commerce: India’s FSSAI issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart over complaints involving expired, spoiled and contaminated items, demanding compliance reports. Freight Cost Pressure in NZ: New Zealand firms are leaning on smarter warehouse material handling to offset rising freight costs and protect throughput. India–New Zealand Trade Push: Modi and Luxon upgraded ties to a strategic partnership, targeting Rs 35,000 crore in trade by 2030 and agreeing on maritime cooperation and logistics support. Maritime Cybersecurity: Dutch intelligence warned that Russian state-backed hackers compromised internet-connected cameras along NATO logistics routes to track military shipments to Ukraine. Energy Storage Local Politics: Massachusetts battery storage projects sparked local disputes over grid and permitting impacts, as states push net-zero goals.