IMF Talks for Lebanon: Finance Minister Yassine Jaber says Lebanon is pushing for a new staff-level agreement with the IMF, but a full program still hinges on passing a “financial gap” law to account for losses from the 2019 crisis. Strait of Hormuz Shockwaves: Mediators say indirect US-Iran talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are still alive, but Trump’s rejection of Iran’s proposal is already hitting markets, with surging oil prices dragging US futures lower. Lebanon’s Regional Exposure to Shipping Risk: Analysts warn that the Houthis’ expansion and threats to Saudi infrastructure could further disrupt Red Sea and Gulf trade routes—raising costs and uncertainty for Lebanon’s economy. Iraq-Syria Energy Corridor: A once-quiet Iraq-Syria border is turning into an oil-and-gas trade corridor as Iraq ships oil by truck to Syria and Syria sends gasoline back, partly because Hormuz access remains constrained. Legal Pressure in the Region: Israel says it has ordered preparations for a possible legal case against Turkey’s Erdoğan, while Iran’s treasury and foreign ministry messaging continues to frame the standoff as a fight over diplomacy versus war. Dubai Logistics Update: Dubai’s RTA will impose new truck movement restrictions from Oct. 1, with time-based limits on major roads aimed at easing congestion. Business & Markets Elsewhere: Selmore Pharma is seeking an IPO on Pakistan’s PSX, targeting up to Rs. 3.06bn, while the US and China released reciprocal $30bn product lists for tariff cuts after Trump-Xi talks.