Oman–Iran Pressure & Hormuz Risk: The White House is escalating pressure on Oman to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, citing intelligence that Oman may have helped impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz—an issue that could quickly lift shipping costs and ripple into global prices. Maritime Incident Off Oman: The US disabled the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to head toward an Iranian port despite the blockade; 24 Indian crew were evacuated safely with help from Omani authorities. Investment Climate Boost: Oman’s Investment and Trade Court is being positioned as a key reform to improve dispute resolution speed and investor confidence. Duqm Deal Push: Oman signed RO 2.9bn ($7.5bn) in new Duqm Special Economic Zone agreements, including major green hydrogen downstream phases with ACME and new industrial, battery materials, chemicals, tourism and housing projects. Environment as an Economic Lever: Oxford Business Group and Oman’s Environment Authority released a report arguing stronger environmental governance can improve investment confidence and long-term resilience under Vision 2040. Hafeet Rail Progress: Track installation has started on the Hafeet Rail project linking Sohar Port to the UAE rail network, moving the 238-km build into the infrastructure phase. Oman–Kuwait Cybersecurity MoU: Kuwait and Oman signed an MoU to deepen cybersecurity cooperation, including training and incident-response coordination. Markets & Energy Backdrop: Oil prices eased after Iran and Israel said they halted attacks, but investors remain wary of renewed volatility.