Hormuz Diplomacy Under Pressure: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister met Iran’s top diplomat in Tehran as Washington keeps up sanctions and says it’s not in talks, while Iran insists it won’t “submit to bullying” and regional mediation (including Oman and Pakistan) aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil & Shipping Watch: Strait of Hormuz crude flows are creeping higher, but security risks remain; the JMIC kept a severe maritime threat level after a tanker attack and ongoing harassment/mines concerns. Syria Power Shift: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser after dissolving the SDF and integrating Kurdish forces into state structures. Gaza & Lebanon Strikes: Israel said it killed two Hamas figures in Gaza as fighting continued despite a ceasefire framework; separate reports also flagged strikes in southern Lebanon. Media & Influence: A Dubai-based social platform Aubrium launched “Content Intelligence” for creators/brands, while Saudi messaging data showed WhatsApp dominates usage; meanwhile, Iran-linked threats and media crackdowns stayed in focus. Marcom/Business: Nani Media House opened franchise applications for “good news” titles, targeting distribution via airports, inflight networks and newsstands.