US-Iran Economic Pressure: Treasury chief Scott Bessent says Washington will unveil “maximum economic pressure” to isolate Iran and its trading partners, aiming to “collapse” Tehran, while urging allies and China to “get with the program.” Maritime Risk for Oil Flows: Markets keep pricing Strait of Hormuz disruption risk as the US enforces a naval blockade and redirects vessels; Brent pushes higher on uncertainty over whether the strait reopens. Blockade Impact on Exports: Energy analysts argue the renewed US blockade effectively blocks Iranian crude exports, making Iran less relevant to global supply balances even as geopolitical risk stays underpriced in crude futures. Fuel-Supply Policy Shift: The US EPA will loosen summer gasoline rules early to boost winter-blend availability and ease prices, a move tied to ongoing war-driven supply concerns. GCC-China Security Talks: GCC officials met China in Riyadh to discuss Iranian attacks’ fallout, with focus on maritime security, energy security, and counterterror cooperation. Regional Politics & Energy Routes: Iraq’s parliament speakers trade barbs over “Persian Gulf” vs “Arabian Gulf,” while Iraq seeks special status for oil exports through Hormuz amid the standoff. Local Governance After Assad: Syria’s civil society registration and licensing is still being reshaped in the post-Assad era, with civil groups navigating a more unsettled state oversight system.