Food Safety Clampdown: Kuwait’s General Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) carried out an inspection drive in Mahboula, issuing 50 violations and seizing/destroying 500kg of non-compliant meat, while collecting 26 samples for lab testing. Kuwait Defense & Drones: Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones as its air defenses responded to “hostile” attacks, urging residents not to be alarmed by explosions from interceptions. Shipping Risk at Hormuz: UKMTO said two tanker incidents were reported off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz—one struck by an unknown projectile damaging an engine room, another involving an explosion near a tanker—prompting warnings to vessels to proceed with caution. US-Iran Escalation: The White House warned Trump is considering fresh strikes on Iran as pressure mounts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying the US wants to “win” and hit Iran “very hard.” Kuwait-Saudi Trade Connectivity: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia advanced customs and rail cooperation, including a land-based customs data link to speed clearance at border crossings and progress on railway/metro technical coordination. Red Sea Security Coalition: Somalia joined a Saudi-led maritime defense alliance backed by 14 countries, including Kuwait, aimed at protecting the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden. Private Capital for Energy Infrastructure: Kuwait Oil Company agreed a $16bn pipeline partnership with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR, selling 49% of a new venture while retaining control—an example of Gulf infrastructure deals drawing long-term investors despite regional disruption.