Strait of Hormuz Security: A tanker off Oman near Limah was hit by an “unknown projectile,” catching fire on its port side; UKMTO said no casualties or environmental damage were reported, while separate reports claimed Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles at commercial ships, underscoring how fragile shipping safety remains despite US-Iran talks. Diplomatic Pressure: Iran’s foreign minister said final nuclear negotiations won’t start unless US threats stop, as Trump warned he would “finish the job” if no deal is reached—raising the risk of escalation around the waterway. Regional Coordination: NATO foreign ministers are set to meet Gulf Arab counterparts to address the Hormuz reopening stalemate, including a Franco-British push for a multinational maritime mission that Iran has dismissed. Oman Foreign Policy: Oman condemned terrorist plots targeting Morocco and reiterated solidarity and rejection of violence and extremism. Local Policing: Shinas police arrested a suspect accused of theft and of setting a rented vehicle on fire after a stolen gas cylinder exploded. Energy Markets: OPEC+ approved a modest August production increase of 188,000 bpd as oil prices ease, while Hormuz tensions continue to shape risk premiums. Oman Investment & Industry: United Solar completed $1.6bn funding for its Sohar polysilicon plant with IFC support, reinforcing Oman’s clean-energy manufacturing push.