US-Iran Diplomacy in Doha: Indirect US-Iran technical talks are underway in Qatar with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, focused on implementing the interim MoU—especially frozen Iranian funds and Strait of Hormuz shipping—while Iran says no direct meetings with US envoys are planned. Hormuz Power Struggle: Iran insists it will control passage and routes through the strait, keeping the 60-day framework central as both sides spar over what “best efforts” means for safe transit. Sanctions Pressure: China urged Washington and Tehran to accelerate dialogue and lift sanctions on Tehran “as soon as possible,” echoing Iran’s demands to honor MoU commitments. War Risk and Options: Reports say Trump has discussed returning to full-scale strikes but is still leaning on diplomacy, with officials stressing “optional” military paths if talks fail. Prisoner Abuse Allegations: Human rights groups say an Iranian political prisoner in Qazvin Central Prison was brutally beaten, with family demanding an investigation. Christian Minority Crackdown: Iran reportedly threatened to confiscate Tehran’s Qavam (Saint Peter Evangelical) Church, fitting a wider pattern of pressure on Iran’s Christian minority. Regional Security Tensions: Clashes in Iran’s Kurdish west reportedly left fighters dead and raised fears of renewed insurgent activity. Trade Recovery: Direct UAE-Iran cargo shipments resumed via Jebel Ali, signaling partial easing of supply-chain disruptions.