Maritime Enforcement Hits Gambia-Flagged Cargo: The US Central Command says it disabled the Gambia-flagged vessel M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman after the crew ignored 20+ warnings and tried to reach an Iranian port, firing a Hellfire missile into the engine room; the ship was left adrift and not boarded. Strait of Hormuz Trade Pressure: The blockade and ongoing Iran-US standoff continue to disrupt shipping through the Hormuz chokepoint, affecting oil, gas and even fertilizer supply chains that feed food and industry costs. Diplomacy Still Stalled: US and Iran exchanged messages over a draft ceasefire/Strait reopening deal, but Trump reportedly sent tougher changes—especially around Iran’s nuclear commitments and possible asset releases—while Iran’s chief negotiator said no agreement will be approved without securing Iran’s rights. Power Sector Watch in The Gambia: The Gambia government condemned misinformation about electricity supply cuts, urging national unity while saying constraints are being addressed through ongoing efforts. West Africa Grid Expansion: A World Bank-backed power programme reports electricity access gains for over 3 million people across West Africa, including The Gambia, via thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and cross-border trading.