Afghanistan Education Crisis: UNESCO says about 2.4 million Afghan girls are shut out of secondary education five years after the Taliban returned, warning the ban could cost billions and worsen poverty. Hormuz Diplomacy & Shipping Pressure: Pakistan says the US and Iran are close to “some sort” of arrangement, while Qatar points to advanced Oman-Iran talks to manage Strait of Hormuz as attacks keep disrupting shipping. US Enforcement in Gulf of Oman: CENTCOM confirmed Hellfire strikes disabled a Panama-flagged vessel after warnings were ignored, underscoring tighter blockade enforcement. Yemen Red Sea Escalation: Houthis claim drone and missile attacks on Saudi-linked shipping and facilities, including a reported strike on an Aramco refinery in Jizan; Yemen’s coastguard reports deaths and injuries in Bab al-Mandeb attacks. New Regional Security Pact: Saudi, Türkiye and Pakistan’s Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is praised by Saudi officials and welcomed by Qatar, while regional partners stress de-escalation and freedom of navigation. Pakistan-Iran Ties: Iran’s president says Tehran is ready to expand cooperation with Pakistan as talks continue amid mediation efforts. Qatar Sports & Culture: Qatar hosts basketball and youth football preparations, while UNESCO-linked education and AI training initiatives keep attention on skills and future jobs.