Strait of Hormuz Flashpoints: Iran’s IRGC says it destroyed a U.S. Saildrone Explorer near the Strait of Hormuz, the second major clash in days, as energy traffic disruption lifts oil prices. Maritime Safety & Attacks: Iran also reported a projectile strike on an Iranian cargo ship near Qeshm Island that killed one and injured others, while UKMTO said a fire broke out after an unknown projectile hit a vessel. Gulf Diplomacy Without the U.S.: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran and Abu Dhabi agreed to “put the past behind,” and Araghchi is set to meet regional Arab counterparts in Muscat to discuss a Hormuz passage framework—though Iran insists any reopening depends on U.S. obligations being met. Iraq Under Pressure: Iraq announced a phased reopening of three border crossings with Iran after drone attacks tied to a Saudi pipeline shutdown, as Baghdad faces mounting pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias. Drone Supply Talk: Iran has asked Russia for advanced Geran strike drones, including faster jet-powered models, for use against Israeli and U.S. targets. Sanctions & Daily Life: A Financial Times report says Iran is using bitcoin to settle cross-border transactions while the central bank “looks the other way,” as the rial slides and inflation worsens. Politics, Protest, Repression: HRANA reports a death sentence for a protester tied to January 2026 unrest, while Kurdish groups call for a general strike in Rojhilat on the anniversary of Jina Amini’s death. U.S. Messaging: Trump again floated an off-ramp—saying the war could end after midterms and claiming the U.S. could “stay and keep the oil”—while dismissing Gulf-Iran talks as “up to them.”