Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The UN’s International Maritime Organization warned the Strait of Hormuz is too dangerous for commercial ships, after the interim US-Iran deal collapsed and attacks resumed. US-Iran Escalation: The US launched daylight strikes and reimposed a naval blockade on Iran’s ports, while Iran vowed a “decisive response” and threatened wider disruption to regional oil and gas exports. Oman in the middle: With fighting flaring near Oman’s coast, shipping traffic reportedly fell to just 11 ships on July 12, and European aviation regulators urged airlines to avoid parts of the Gulf airspace. Omani-linked maritime tragedy: An Indian marine engineer, Heramb Karmarkar, missing after an attack on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy off Oman, has been confirmed dead; Omani authorities had rescued the rest of the crew. Local business & travel: Oman Air signed a strategic travel insurance deal with Takaful Oman, enabling passengers to buy coverage during booking. Diplomacy: Oman’s ties with France were highlighted as the French ambassador praised deepening cooperation following Sultan Haitham’s visit to Paris. Customs alert: Royal Oman Police warned travellers against importing prohibited goods, including weapons-like items and certain controlled substances. Sports (Oman): Oman’s youth handball team began its Asian Championship campaign in China with a loss to Saudi Arabia, aiming to bounce back next.