US-Iran Strait of Hormuz standoff: The US and Iran agreed to pause attacks and resume talks, but messaging stays messy as Trump says a Doha meeting is set while Tehran denies any direct US negotiations and insists its delegation is only for technical steps under the MoU. Ceasefire pressure: Iran’s acting defense minister warned Tehran will respond “decisively” to any ceasefire violation, after missile/drone strikes on US installations and continued accusations over ship attacks. Hormuz governance fight: Oman’s FM said mine-clearance responsibility lies mainly with Iran, while Iran signals it wants lasting control and even tolling—raising fears for global shipping. Security blow in Iran: Two IRGC members were killed in a shooting in western Iran, with authorities investigating and blaming separatist-linked violence. Diplomacy and politics: Iran’s president defended the negotiating team and reiterated frozen-asset release claims; Germany welcomed the halt as an opportunity for diplomacy. Egypt focus: Cairo stepped up efforts to secure release of Egyptian sailors aboard the hijacked MT Eureka off Somalia. Regional diplomacy: Bahrain filed a UN complaint over Iranian strikes, and the Arab League and Arab Parliament condemned Israeli attacks on Syria. Business/tech: Egypt’s BrainsMingle raised $400,000 seed funding; Qatar and Türkiye advanced satellite cooperation via Es’hailSat and Türksat.