Strait of Hormuz Trade Security: Iran warned oil tankers and commercial vessels to use Tehran-approved routes or face a “forceful response,” escalating uncertainty for one of the world’s key energy chokepoints as US-Iran indirect talks in Doha continue. Bahrain’s UN Push: Bahrain accused Iran of 808 attacks since Feb 28, saying strikes hit civilian infrastructure and violate the June 17 Islamabad MoU, prompting an emergency UN Security Council session. Regional Defence Coordination: A US-led security dialogue in Bahrain with 12 Middle East countries reaffirmed commitments to keep trade flowing through Hormuz, with CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper highlighting joint counter-drone efforts after 14 Iranian drone interceptions. GCC Food & Energy Moves: Kuwait chaired GCC agriculture and food security talks virtually under Bahrain’s presidency, focusing on strategic food storage zones and supply-chain readiness, while Bahrain also chaired a GCC petroleum committee meeting on energy integration and pipeline connectivity. Bahrain Business & Digital Services: LMRA rolled out a faster two-stage digital licensing process for recruitment agencies, cutting approvals and processing time; NBB won “Best Retail Bank in Bahrain” for the fifth straight year, citing digital upgrades. Youth & Sustainability: Youth City 2030 launches July 12 with 256 programmes and 10,650 opportunities; Bahrain explored smart recycling reverse vending machines that could reward residents with instant cash points. Consumer Protection: Bahrain shut a retail outlet over unjustified price hikes on essential foods and mismatched shelf vs checkout pricing.