Southern Lebanon Security: The Lebanese Army began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh (Nabatieh) as part of US-mediated “pilot zone” operations, after Israeli forces withdrew, with residents told not to travel until security stabilizes and engineering units reportedly surveying streets for explosives. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO warned that conflict, disease outbreaks, and shrinking funding are worsening the Eastern Mediterranean health crisis, citing 30.4 million people needing help in Sudan and noting that renewed Middle East fighting and Strait of Hormuz disruptions are hitting medical supply chains. Sanctions Watch: Trump called for further sanctions on Iran, framing them as leverage in negotiations, while a separate explainer revisited when sanctions began and what could trigger lifting. Shipping & Energy Risk: Yemen’s Houthis announced a maritime embargo/blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and threatening Bab el-Mandeb, raising Red Sea shipping insurance costs and fears of wider supply disruptions. Lebanon Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Trump in Washington to push for Israeli troop withdrawal, as Saudi Arabia pledged “assistance in all areas” during a call with Aoun. Aviation Disruptions: Air France extended suspensions to/from Beirut until Aug 2 and Dubai until July 27, citing rapidly changing regional security.