UAE-Iran Tensions: The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran “until further notice” after detecting two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at maritime navigation that fell into the sea, as regional security fears rise. Hormuz Flashpoints: US President Donald Trump denied any Iran talks while posting a map labeling the Strait of Hormuz as “new US territory,” even as Iran and Oman continue efforts to manage reopening amid reported ship incidents. Military Posture: The Pentagon is weighing a smaller US military presence in the Gulf after the Iran war ends, following damage to more than 200 facilities and pressure on air-defense stocks. Sanctions & Lawfare: The US sanctioned ICC president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, escalating its campaign against the Hague-based court. Regional Diplomacy: The US is working on a deconfliction mechanism among Israel, Turkey and Syria after Israeli strikes near the Turkish border. Energy & Markets: Oil prices stayed elevated on Hormuz-linked uncertainty, while gold slid as Treasury yields surged and Middle East diplomacy deteriorated. Aviation Costs: A report warns UAE airfares may remain 5–10% above pre-war expectations in 2026 due to longer routes, hedging and jet-fuel pressure. Business & Trade: India’s tanker exports surged more than six-fold to $1.36bn in Q1 FY27, with the UAE the top destination.