Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean: The Strait of Hormuz is “open” but barely working for commerce, with two kinetic incidents in 72 hours, an IMO evacuation corridor suspended, and daily transits averaging about 13 (around 90% below pre-war levels). Iran is tightening enforcement on designated lanes, while a U.S.-backed southern corridor under Project Freedom continues with tankers transiting under active AWACS cover—alongside reports of Iranian-linked vessels using fraudulent flag registrations. Red Sea Shipping Recovery: The Suez Canal Authority says fiscal 2025/26 revenues are nearing $4.7bn as traffic rises ~10% year-on-year and tonnage jumps 22%, citing gradual easing of Red Sea tensions and renewed confidence in the route. Ocean Commitments in Africa: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa ended with 320 commitments and $6.4bn mobilised, including marine protected areas, fisheries monitoring, climate finance, waste-management to cut marine pollution, and calls to strengthen existing protections. EU Sanctions and Shipping Compliance: The EU’s proposed 21st Russia sanctions package would expand scrutiny beyond sanctioned vessels to service providers enabling Russia’s shadow fleet, including bunkering operators—pushing for deeper checks on ownership chains and operating histories. Climate Perception Snapshot: New survey data suggests people often underestimate how seriously others view climate change, with a “climate perception gap” showing personal concern is frequently higher than perceived public concern.