US-Iran Diplomacy: After 18 hours in Switzerland, Iran’s delegation left for Tehran as mediators Qatar and Pakistan said the first round delivered “encouraging progress,” including a 60-day roadmap, a high-level oversight committee, a Lebanon de-confliction cell, and a Strait of Hormuz communication channel—while technical talks continue amid fresh Trump threats and competing claims on Hormuz shipping. Lebanon Ceasefire Mechanics: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi said oil/petrochem waivers, some frozen-asset releases, and a reconstruction plan were discussed, calling the Lebanon deconfliction cell the “first real test,” as Israel vowed to keep a “security zone.” Egypt Business & Energy Push: Egypt’s Cabinet approved an “economic entities” digital platform to streamline investment procedures, while ministries set up a joint committee to unlock financing for petroleum projects; separately, EIB is considering renewable deals totaling about 1.6GW and Egypt approved a Kuwaiti grant for an Egypt-Jordan electricity interconnection study. Food Prices Watch: Egypt’s IDSC reported drops in packaged rice, flour, sugar, sunflower oil, and tomatoes, alongside mixed poultry/meat price movement. Lebanon Loss: Mourners in Beirut remembered sea-turtle conservationist Mona Khalil, killed in an Israeli strike. Sports/Branding Angle: Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 for their first World Cup win, with Mohamed Salah starring—another reminder of how major tournaments keep driving regional media and marketing attention.