Ras Laffan Tragedy: QatarEnergy says a “technical accident” at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan killed 13 workers and injured 66; Qatar’s energy minister stressed there was no sabotage, no environmental risk, and LNG exports were not affected, while the Indian Embassy confirmed 12 Indian nationals among the dead and said injured people are stable as Qatar and foreign missions coordinate support and repatriation. US-Iran Talks via Qatar Mediation: At Burgenstock/Lucerne, mediators Qatar and Pakistan reported “encouraging progress” after the first US-Iran round, including a 60-day roadmap, a high-level political oversight committee, and mechanisms to keep Strait of Hormuz navigation safe; US VP JD Vance said Iran agreed to return IAEA inspectors and that oil/LNG shipments resumed, while Qatar’s PM said the MoU lays the groundwork for ending the war. Nuclear & Shipping Stakes: Iran’s chief negotiator said Hormuz will be “administered” by Tehran under international law, as Washington temporarily suspended Iran oil sanctions to enable talks—raising pressure on the next phase covering uranium enrichment and sanctions relief. Lebanon Front: Netanyahu and Israeli defense leaders reaffirmed plans to maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon ahead of renewed Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington, while Qatar’s PM again criticized Netanyahu for provoking escalation. Regional Reactions: Bahrain sent condolences to Qatar over the Ras Laffan blast, and multiple governments expressed solidarity as investigations continue.