Maritime Security & Energy Routes: The U.S. fired two Hellfire missiles from an MH-60 helicopter at a Panama-flagged ship, M/V Vela Nova, in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to evade the blockade of Iranian ports, as Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut and insists reopening depends on U.S. acceptance of its conditions. Shipping Casualties: In the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Yemen’s authorities reported six deaths after Iran-backed Houthis attacked a cargo vessel, with four crew and two rescuers killed—raising pressure on Red Sea and Gulf logistics. Oil Markets: Crude prices edged higher toward a two-week high as Hormuz traffic stayed extremely low and Red Sea attacks continued, while markets also watched the next U.S. CPI print for inflation signals. Oman Industry & Investment: Oman’s Madayn (Public Establishment for Industrial Estates) began developing four new industrial cities across Musandam, North Al Batinah, North Al Sharqiyah and Dhofar, aiming to boost private-sector-led diversification and jobs. Energy Projects: EDF consortium secured financial close for Oman’s 120MW wind project, adding momentum to the country’s renewables pipeline.