Maritime Pressure on Oman: The White House is escalating pressure on Oman to cut ties with Iran over claims Muscat helped Tehran impose fees on Strait of Hormuz shipping, warning of sanctions and possible force as the waterway carries about 20 million barrels of oil daily. Oman Rail Push: Track installation has started on the Hafeet Rail project linking Oman to the UAE, moving from civil works toward railway infrastructure and aiming to boost regional trade and passenger links. Qatar AI & Education: Qatar’s AI use is rising fast, with Microsoft data placing it among the world’s top ten for practical everyday AI, while VCUarts Qatar opens summer art and design registrations and Qatar Foundation expands Rasekh support with Daam funding. Qatar Media-Research Deal: Qatar Press Center signs a cooperation agreement with GISR to deepen research and media collaboration. India-Afghanistan Cricket: India crushes Afghanistan in a one-off Test by innings and 300 runs, with Manav Suthar’s 6/33 debut and Gill’s “ticked all the boxes” comments; Hardik Pandya also gets fitness clearance for the upcoming ODI series. Pakistan Finance & Security: IMF raises Pakistan’s provincial tax targets sharply for 2026-27, while FIA in Karachi uncovers an alleged passport fraud network involving Afghan nationals. Gulf Shipping Incident: US forces disable an Iran-bound tanker in the Gulf of Oman, and 24 Indian crew are reported rescued after a missile-triggered fire off Oman.