Strait of Hormuz Security: A projectile attack disabled an oil tanker near Oman’s Musandam, with UKMTO reporting engine-room damage but no crew injuries; the incident underscores ongoing risks as talks continue over two planned shipping lanes (Oman’s southern corridor and Iran’s northern corridor). Maritime Toll Update: The UN’s IMO says 68 incidents have been confirmed in the wider Gulf and nearby waters since the war began, with at least 20 seafarers/port workers killed and 35 wounded. Oman Route Under Pressure: Shipping traffic remains volatile, with reports of very low daily tanker counts and renewed warnings to vessels to report suspicious activity. US-Iran Sanctions & Oil Prices: Markets pushed Brent and WTI down more than 3% to a one-week low after investors judged the latest US sanctions would disrupt less than military escalation; Iran vowed retaliation while Washington warned countries to cut ties or face dollar-system exclusion. Diplomacy Signals: Pakistan’s CDF Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said “significant progress” was made in talks with Iran’s president, while Iran’s foreign ministry described Munir’s visit as “highly fruitful.” Oman Governance & Society: Oman’s Royal Office Minister met the UK ambassador; Sultan Haitham issued a royal pardon for 459 prisoners on Prophet’s birthday. Public Health & Education: Dhofar Municipality held a symposium on disease vector management; the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic welcomed a new international student batch. Economy & Tax: Deloitte and the Oman Tax Authority will co-host Oman Tax Conference 2026 in Muscat on Sept 15. Energy Planning: Nama Power and Water Procurement Company launched a Musandam renewables feasibility consultancy tender.