Hormuz Pressure Turns Into Policy: Iran says it will soon unveil a new Strait of Hormuz traffic mechanism with a designated route and fees for “specialized services,” warning the system will stay closed to “freedom project” operators—while European states reportedly start talks with the IRGC to secure ship passage. US-Iran Talks Stuck, Strikes Loom: Iran’s deputy FM and top officials keep blaming “lack of trust” for the deadlock, as Trump tells French media Iran has “an interest in reaching an agreement” but signals a decision on whether to resume strikes. Economic Fallout Widens: Markets slide on renewed tension; the IMF warns the global economy is moving toward a worse “adverse” scenario if the Iran war drags on, and energy disruptions keep pushing inflation fears. UAE Rejects, Defends: The UAE reiterates its right to defend sovereignty after Iranian attacks, while US officials urge the UAE to take a bigger role—including a reported push for UAE control of Lavan Island. Regional Mediation: Pakistan’s interior minister is in Tehran to facilitate US-Iran peace talks, as Iran and Pakistan agree to boost border trade and crossings. Saudi Crackdown: Saudi authorities report a week of mass arrests and deportations of illegal residents.