Strait of Hormuz Flashpoints: Iran’s IRGC says it destroyed a U.S. Saildrone Explorer near Hormuz, after a prior drone capture, as maritime tensions keep spiking and oil prices react. Maritime Attacks & Casualties: Iranian state media report a projectile hit an Iranian container ship near Qeshm/Hengam Island, killing one and injuring four, while UKMTO confirms a fire and evacuations. U.S.-Iran War Messaging: Trump again predicts the Iran war will end “very soon,” tying any off-ramp to U.S. midterms and even floating a “stay and take the oil” scenario. Diplomacy Without the U.S.: Iran says foreign ministers from regional Arab states will meet in Muscat to agree a Hormuz passage framework if the U.S. stops attacks; Trump says he “doesn’t care” about the Gulf meeting. Iran-UAE Reset: Pezeshkian tells BRICS sidelines talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed delivered an agreement to “put the past behind,” while Iran stresses it has “no problem” with the UAE but objects to U.S. bases. Internal Power Struggle: A New York Times report raises doubts about Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s public absence and authenticity of directives, fueling hard-liner influence. Domestic Pressure: HRANA reports a death sentence for a protester tied to January 2026 unrest, while ILNA describes worsening food affordability in Tehran as people buy essentials on credit. Sanctions Evasion: A Financial Times report claims Iran’s central bank is quietly tolerating crypto use to bypass sanctions, as the rial slides.