GCC-US Security Talks in Bahrain: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met GCC foreign ministers in Manama, welcoming the US-Iran interim MoU but stressing “free, unconditional, and unrestricted” Strait of Hormuz navigation with no tolls or control; Iran immediately hit back, calling the joint statement “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative.” Hormuz Shipping Disruption: After an Iranian drone attack damaged a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, the UN maritime agency paused its evacuation plan for stranded vessels, while oil tanker traffic still resumed in parts of the Gulf. US Retaliation and Ceasefire Tensions: Trump accused Iran of a “foolish violation” after the attack; the US carried out strikes on missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites, keeping the fragile ceasefire under strain. Bahrain-US Military Posture Review: Reports say the US is considering relocating some assets from Bahrain to reduce exposure to drones and missiles after damage to the Fifth Fleet base. Bahrain SDGs and Capital Markets: Bahrain is on track to meet 2030 SDGs, while the Bahrain Association of Banks and Bahrain Bourse hosted a strategy session for capital market development 2026–2028 “Elevate.” Banking Innovation: Emirates NBD launched a UAE-first Visa personalised card art experience in its ENBD X app, including FIFA World Cup 2026-themed designs.