Strait of Hormuz Disruption: UAE supermarkets say Iran-war-linked shipping delays are driving longer lead times, higher freight and insurance costs, and intermittent shelf gaps, with some firms absorbing price hikes as inflation pressure builds. Maritime Security: MSC reports its Sariska V was hit by projectiles in Iraq’s Umm Qasr port; crew were safe, underscoring rising risks for commercial shipping. Port Performance: Jordan’s Aqaba Container Port Company logged 472,680 TEUs in H1 2026 (+1% vs 2025) and strong transit growth, while Aqaba’s broader port system handled 13.3 million tonnes (+12%). Amazon vs. Incumbents: Amazon is expanding shipping and storage access via Amazon Supply Chain Services, intensifying competitive pressure on FedEx and UPS. Energy Storage & Grid Stability: Hungary’s ALTEO-backed battery system (49.9MW/99.8MWh) is helping balance solar-heavy generation, while Iberville, Louisiana paused new BESS projects for two years amid safety concerns. Defense Logistics: Ukraine’s SBU says it struck three Russian oil depots in Stavropol, targeting fuel storage and distribution infrastructure. Automation Reality Check: A go-to-market “company brain” approach is pitched as the fix for flat sales pipelines despite heavy AI adoption across fragmented vendor stacks.