Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says the Strait will stay closed unless the US ends its blockade, releases frozen Iranian assets and agrees to a wider regional ceasefire; Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian officials in Tehran as Qatar said Oman-Iran talks on managing Hormuz are at an advanced stage, while shipping and Red Sea attacks continue to rattle markets. Qatar Foreign Policy: Qatar condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, warning it would block peace efforts. Local Dates Festival: Qatar’s 11th Fresh Local Dates Festival ended with nearly 110,000 visitors and 183 tonnes sold, highlighting food security and support for local farmers. Health & Infrastructure: Ashghal says it has completed over 65% of the Rumailah Hospital safety and security systems upgrade, targeting full completion in Q1 2027. Sports & Youth: Qatar will host the “3 Nations Friendly Games” (Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) at Al Janoub Stadium from Aug 20–22 as preparations ramp up for major qualifiers and the Asian Games. Business & Finance: QLM Life & Medical Insurance reported a 10% rise in H1 insurance revenue to QR791m, while QIC posted net profit of QR365m in H1 2026. Community & Education: DAAM and QCDC signed a funding agreement to support youth labour market readiness, and NCSA wrapped up its third Cyber Security Youth Camp for about 400 students.