Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran’s IRGC says it destroyed a U.S. Saildrone Explorer drone near Hormuz, following a prior U.S. underwater drone capture—raising shipping-risk fears as Brent pushed above $107. Shipping & Diplomacy: Oman postponed a planned Iran-GCC foreign ministers meeting in Salalah on Hormuz routes, citing “consensus,” after pipeline attacks heightened regional sensitivities. Saudi Export Pressure: Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline after drone strikes; Reuters cites limited crude stocks for days and repair timelines stretching weeks, with Houthis also pressuring Bab el-Mandeb. Iraq Border Clampdown: Iraq began phased reopening of crossings with Iran (including al-Sheeb) while tightening security and inspections after alleged drone-launch activity tied to the Saudi pipeline attack. Sanctions Evasion: A Financial Times report says Iran is using bitcoin and crypto channels for cross-border settlements as the central bank “looks the other way,” undercutting sanctions. Energy Markets at the Pump: U.S. fuel prices remain volatile amid Middle East disruption fears, with drivers reporting higher costs and analysts pointing to Hormuz constraints and supply logistics. Qatar Labor & Stability: Qatar attended the Arab Labour Conference in Cairo, stressing that regional crises ripple into trade, transport, energy markets, and jobs. Egypt-India Clean Energy Push: El-Sisi and Modi discussed raising bilateral trade to $12bn, with clean energy among priority areas. Qatar Energy Research Link: UDST signed an MoU with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East to advance applied energy research, including renewables integration and smart grids.