Hormuz & Shipping: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could land “today or tomorrow,” aiming for “freedom of movement” and easing energy prices, while Iran’s foreign ministry denies direct talks with Washington and says talks are only with Oman over strait management; a cargo vessel was also reported struck near Oman, keeping maritime risk front and center. US-Iran Diplomacy vs. Threats: Trump says Iran has a “last chance” and warns of “decapitation” if no agreement is reached, as Iran claims Washington is trying to destabilize it from within—so the rhetoric stays sharp even as negotiations resume. Lebanon-Israel Talks: Lebanon and Israel are set for a seventh round in Rome, but progress is blocked by Israel’s continued demolitions/detonations in the south and the unresolved Hezbollah weapons issue, with no serious internal Lebanese discussion and Hezbollah refusing disarmament. Electricity & Power Projects: Lebanon’s electricity crisis remains tied to regional gas and cross-border power plans, with new interest sought for generation projects. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO granted World Heritage status to new sites across Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, adding momentum for cultural tourism and preservation. Finance: HSBC posted a 23% jump in first-half profits and announced a $1bn share buyback resumption, a reminder of how global markets react to Middle East risk.