Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Iran says it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until Trump “accepts the reality of defeat,” with ship traffic near a standstill and only two vessels reported transiting on Friday—raising fresh risk for global energy logistics and downstream fuel costs. Regional Shipping Routing: Iran and Oman say they’ve agreed on designated Hormuz shipping routes, but a broader deal still isn’t final, leaving carriers to plan around uncertainty. UAE–Iran Escalation: The UAE blamed Iran for an attack on an ADNOC-linked vessel, calling it piracy and warning it will defend freedom of navigation—another signal that maritime risk premiums will stay elevated. Oil & Fuel Price Pressure: Kenya faces potential higher pump prices as global oil stocks fall sharply and inventories deplete amid Gulf disruptions. Energy Market Spillover (US): GasBuddy reports show localized US price volatility tied to the same global shipping and oil-shock backdrop, with multiple counties seeing “lowest” regular/premium/diesel prices for the week ending Aug. 8. Trade & Compliance Tech: Advintek’s Al Faisal was named an Oman Tax Authority approved e-invoicing service provider for Fawtara Phase 1, supporting smoother invoicing flows for logistics-linked trade. UAE Trade Expansion: The UAE says it has 38 economic partnership agreements in force, expanding market access and trade routes for exporters and logistics operators.