Hormuz Standoff: Iran rejected Trump’s “total control” claim, saying the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until Washington accepts Tehran’s conditions and changes its “behaviour,” as shipping disruption and Red Sea risks keep rising. US-Iran Security Drama: Reports and Trump comments say he was secretly moved off Air Force One via a catering truck to a decoy flight after intelligence flagged an Iranian missile/assassination threat, sparking fresh media and political backlash. Red Sea Escalation: Iran-backed Houthis killed six on a vessel in Bab el-Mandeb while the US said it fired on a ship trying to break Iran’s port blockade. Lebanon Rights Milestone: Lebanon abolished the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment, spotlighting which Arab states still carry out executions. West Bank Media & Violence: Israel’s IDF said it will act against settlers accused of harassing Palestinians in Qusra; separately, an Israeli man was indicted over brick attacks on media offices and threats. Iran Economy & Finance: Iran’s central bank chief said Iran will soon join BRICS’ New Development Bank, aiming for alternative payment channels amid sanctions. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Iran sentenced photojournalists Yalda Moaiery and another photographer to long prison terms tied to their work. Turkey-EU/Crime Cooperation: Turkey and Bulgaria agreed to upgrade anti-illegal migration cooperation into tougher cross-border crime and drug trafficking coordination. Maritime Costs: Panama Canal fees and queues are spiking amid Iran-war disruption and El Niño, with one ship reportedly paying $4m to jump the line.