Hajj & Eid Logistics: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and PM MBS met participating countries as Malaysia’s Home Minister praised Riyadh’s preparations for 1.7m pilgrims; in Qatar, Mina camps and 24/7 medical clinics kept Hajj rituals running smoothly, while Eid staycations boosted hotel bookings. Hormuz Flashpoint: The US escalated pressure on Oman over Strait of Hormuz tolling plans tied to Iran, with Treasury chief Scott Bessent saying Muscat has “no plans” and warning sanctions; Iran hit back calling it blackmail as Kuwait reported intercepts of Iranian missiles. US-Iran Sanctions: Washington also widened sanctions on Iran’s “shadow oil economy,” targeting firms and vessels across Qatar, Singapore, UAE and more. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar met China’s Wang Yi in New York, with both sides stressing peace and coordination; Russia and the Taliban signed a military cooperation deal. Security & Justice: India’s NIA launched raids on a Pakistan-linked drone weapons-smuggling network. Sports & Protests: Ireland’s friendly vs Qatar was disrupted by pro-Palestinian tennis-ball protests; Qatar’s U20 qualifiers draw put them in Group E with Oman, Saudi and Hong Kong. Oman Watch: Heatwave hit 47.5°C; food-security debate turned to logistics and cold storage, not just production. Pakistan Society: Eidul Azha celebrations continued nationwide, with Siachen troops sending greetings.