Strait of Hormuz Standoff: US President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Oman, warning it must not agree with Iran on any shared control or fees for the Strait of Hormuz, or face air strikes; Iran said it is negotiating a new ship-passage procedure with Muscat and condemned US threats after strikes near Bandar Abbas. Sanctions & Shipping: Washington also sanctioned Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, accusing it of extorting tolls and warning anyone dealing with it, as oil prices jumped on renewed Gulf attacks and fears for a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan’s Mediation Role: Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions during a meeting with Mohsin Naqvi in Mina, including plans to train 200 Federal Constabulary personnel in Saudi Arabia; Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar reiterated balanced ties with the US and China. Saudi Support for Yemen: Saudi Arabia announced $150m in urgent oil-derivatives aid for Yemen to keep power stations running. Eid & Hajj Services: Eid al-Adha celebrations continued across Qatar and Pakistan, while Saudi health authorities reported over 1.2m medical services for Hajj pilgrims. Sports: Cricket West Indies set the 2026 home season schedule, with West Indies hosting Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, including Tests in July.