Middle East Security & Travel: US President Donald Trump said he will halt planned strikes on Iran, citing “parameters” of a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while the US State Department issued new security alerts for Americans across Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, warning of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Regional Escalation Risks: Kuwait reported responding to Iranian drone attacks and a tanker being hit in the strategic waterway, as Iran warned against further “adventurous” action and Saudi leadership urged dialogue to de-escalate. Public Health & Environment: Scientists warn that stalled shipping near Hormuz could trigger an invasive marine “super-spreader” event when traffic resumes, as organisms grow on ship hulls during long idling periods. Oman Health & Safety: Oman’s Environment Authority urged residents to report oil spills quickly and avoid unsafe contact, stressing health and ecosystem risks and advising people not to clean spills themselves. Oman Healthcare Funding: Oman awarded RO 734m in government contracts in early 2026, including major healthcare procurement for pharmaceuticals, vaccines and serums, plus additional tenders worth RO 365m. Human Tragedy: Renowned climber Nirmal Purja and nine others were confirmed dead after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, including Omani climber Nathira Ahmed.