Hormuz Deal Standoff: Iran says its Oman talks are in the “final stages,” but the Strait of Hormuz stays effectively closed unless the U.S. meets demands including sanctions relief, blockade removal, compensation, and an end to threats—while Tehran insists there are no direct U.S.-Iran talks, only messages via intermediaries. Trump’s “Low-Key” Pivot: U.S. President Trump tells Axios he’s “low keying it,” leaning on economic pressure and a naval blockade rather than new strikes, as oil prices ease and Washington waits for Iran to bend. Security Leadership Shake-Up: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appoints IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, signaling tighter hardline security control as Hormuz negotiations drag on. Leadership Visibility & Rumors: Iran releases rare footage of Khamenei amid ongoing health speculation, but the timing and context only deepen questions about who is actually running key decisions. Culture & Soft Power: Shafaqna highlights Arbaeen March as a major cultural diplomacy tool, framing it as a global bridge through art, education, tourism, and Shi’a values. Community Life Abroad: An Islamic center in Ohio faces break-in and vandalism, with local leaders calling it an attack driven by hatred and urging unity.