Energy & Sanctions: Syria will cut Russian crude imports sharply as talks with Washington aim to lift the US terrorism designation, with Moscow having boosted deliveries to keep influence after Assad’s fall. Oil-Route Pressure: The wider Iran–US standoff is again reshaping shipping and pricing, while Big Oil profits rise on Strait of Hormuz disruption. Diplomacy & Trade: The UAE and Syria restructured the UAE-Syria Business Council, setting a roadmap across food security, agriculture, logistics, industry, energy and infrastructure. Tourism & Services: Syria’s tourism push is gaining momentum—3.52 million visitors in H1 2026, mostly Syrians abroad—but growth hinges on security, flights, and better on-the-ground services. Agrifood & Livestock: Qatar Charity expanded a livestock value-chain program in Idlib and Aleppo with mobile veterinary clinics, fodder distribution, artificial insemination, and market rehabilitation to support breeders and dairy livelihoods. Regional Security Spillover: Iraq faces mounting pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias as new data shows hundreds of drone and missile attacks on the Kurdistan Region since late February. Industry Risk: US sanctions hit Russian defense entities tied to WMD-related procurement involving Iran, North Korea and Syria, adding compliance pressure for regional supply chains.