Middle East Peace Talks: Pakistan says the US and Iran have agreed the “final, agreed upon text” of a peace MoU, with Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi calling it “never been closer,” while Washington cites an 80–85% chance of signing soon—yet both sides trade conflicting claims on details. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: As talks inch forward, the US says it downed multiple Iranian one-way drones targeting commercial ships and insists traffic remains open; Iran also warns ships need permission, and in a separate escalation Iran shuts the strait to all shipping in retaliation, rattling energy markets. Gulf De-escalation via Funds: Reuters reports the UAE agreed to unlock billions for Iran to curb attacks, while the UAE later denies specific transfer claims. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi spoke with Qatar’s PM, backing mediation and hoping for a near-term US-Iran outcome. Human Rights & Faith: A US deportation flight carrying Iranians and others landed in the Central African Republic, drawing legal and activist backlash; meanwhile, UK Anglican bishops urged solidarity with Jewish leaders amid rising antisemitism linked to Middle East conflict, and Palestinian Christian cases face renewed Israeli arrests. Culture & Heritage: Egypt announced a Greco-Roman cemetery discovery in the Nile Delta; Türkiye’s Istanbul Music Festival opened its 54th edition, and a Colosseum exhibition spotlights “Troy and Rome” artifacts from Türkiye.