Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran says an Oman framework for reopening shipping lanes is in the “final stages,” but insists the US must meet conditions first, including compensation and an end to sanctions and threats, while Tehran denies direct talks and says messages move via intermediaries. US “Low-Key” Iran Policy: Trump tells Axios he’s “low keying it,” leaning on economic pressure and a naval blockade rather than new strikes, as oil prices stabilize and negotiations drag on. Iran Security Shake-Up: Iran appoints former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, signaling tighter Supreme Leader-linked control amid Hormuz diplomacy. Regional Security Pact Culture: Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar says the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is “purely defensive” and open to others; Islamabad then lights up and stages flag marches to celebrate the Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan accord. Syria-Russia Bases: Syria and Moscow agree on the future of Russian bases, shifting Hmeimim and Tartus toward joint training and capacity-building under new arrangements. West Bank Christian Community: Israel closes Taybeh to non-residents, citing settler violence, as the village remains one of the last Christian communities in the West Bank.