Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: GCC and US ministers in Manama urged immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” and rejecting any tolls, fees or attempts to control the waterway, while welcoming Oman and the IMO’s evacuation plan for 11,000+ stranded seafarers. Maritime Risk Flare-Up: Despite rising traffic, an Iranian-linked attack on a cargo ship near Oman renewed shipping safety worries and prompted the UN/IMO to pause evacuation operations pending safety guarantees. US Posture Review: The US is reviewing its Middle East military posture, weighing reduced presence in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and potential relocation of some operations to Israel after recent Iranian attacks exposed vulnerabilities. Kuwait-US Consular Update: The US Embassy in Kuwait City resumed limited operations for emergency American Citizen Services and some passport processing, but routine visa interviews remain suspended. Energy Trade Shifts: Russia’s share of India’s crude imports hit a June record above 50% as discounted barrels displaced Gulf suppliers, while China’s state refiners are considering a return to Iranian crude purchases under new US waivers. Kuwait Policy/Industry: Kuwait amended KPC’s law to strengthen commercial management and flexibility, and Kuwait’s development ministry referred suspected PAAAFR attendance-record forgery to prosecutors, suspending three supervisors pending investigation. Food Security Focus: Kuwait and Kazakhstan discussed expanding food security cooperation across agricultural production and supply chains.