Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The US launched fresh waves of strikes on Iran after a container ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman and again declaring the waterway “closed,” while Washington insists it remains open for lawful shipping. Shipping & Tourism Impact: The flare-up has raised fresh concerns for regional travel and leisure boating as authorities issue alerts and air defences intercept threats across the Gulf. Bahrain Angle: Bahrain reported siren activations during the latest escalation, underscoring how quickly Gulf security conditions can shift for travellers. Oman Connectivity Boost: Oman Air and SalamAir expanded Khareef Dhofar capacity, adding 192 flights and 35,639 seats on the Muscat–Salalah route in July, plus a seasonal Bahrain–Salalah service. Airline Growth: Emirates added a third daily Dubai–Phuket flight (A350), aiming to meet summer demand from the Middle East and Europe. Passport Travel Note: Pakistan’s passport climbed to 100th on the Henley index, offering visa-free access to 30 destinations—useful for travellers planning around Gulf connectivity changes.