Middle East Energy Shock: Brent surged past $100 as Yemen’s Houthis struck Saudi shipping and the US warned of “major military punishment” for Iran-linked actions, while markets also tracked Hormuz and Red Sea risks. Oman Diplomacy: Oman’s FM Sayyid Badr met the Netherlands in Manila and reaffirmed support for maritime security and freedom of navigation, pushing for dialogue to keep key waterways open. Shipping Costs & Disruption: War-risk marine insurance premiums for Hormuz transits jumped sharply, and hundreds of ships trapped in the Gulf face rising biofouling risks. Bypassing Hormuz: Gulf producers are accelerating pipeline and port plans to reroute exports; DP World signed an agreement to build two new Fujairah terminals to create an alternative UAE gateway outside Hormuz. Oman Business Appointments: Oman Duty Free named Sayyid Nasr Al Busaidi as CEO to expand its retail footprint and explore international opportunities. Oman Regulation: CPA and Environment Authority inspected Barka shops to enforce Oman’s plastic shopping bag ban. US Trade: The US imposed new forced-labour tariffs on 60 economies, including Oman, with rates of 10% to 12.5%.