Strait of Hormuz Watch: South Korea reiterated that freedom of navigation and vessel safety must be guaranteed after Trump floated the idea of tolls if US-Iran talks fail, as the chokepoint remains central to global oil and LNG flows. Egypt Business Simplification: Egypt’s Cabinet approved launching an “economic entities” platform to streamline investment procedures and improve investor services, alongside approvals for new renewable and wind projects. Energy Finance for Consumers: The EIB is considering financing two Egyptian renewable projects totaling about 1.6GW, including a wind farm and a solar-plus-storage plan tied to direct power sales to an aluminum producer. Food Prices in Focus: Egypt’s IDSC published updated poultry, meat, fish, dairy and egg prices, showing small daily moves across key staples. Retail Delivery Economics: Dubai-based YRC warned that “dark store” grocery delivery networks can quietly bleed money due to wrong locations and fulfillment inefficiencies—hurting margins behind fast delivery promises. Turkey Consumer Mood: Turkey’s consumer confidence rose to a 37-month high in June, with households more optimistic about finances and durable-goods spending. Qatar Energy Disruption: A major explosion at Ras Laffan injured at least 54 and left 18 missing, adding uncertainty to gas production and exports. Travel Tech for Pilgrims: Wego and Saudi’s Hajj and Umrah ministry launched an integrated digital Umrah platform covering flights, hotels, transport and visa requests. Marine Safety: Türkiye’s marine group removed about 650,000 sq meters of ghost nets from the Marmara Sea over a decade, highlighting ongoing risks to marine life and microplastic pollution.