Somalia–Israel Diplomacy: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, saying Tel Aviv is exploiting the Mogadishu–Hargeisa dispute to advance its interests. Security & Regional Instability: An op-ed warns of a growing “convergence” linking TPLF, Eritrea, and al-Shabaab, arguing external powers could further destabilize Ethiopia and shift the Horn’s balance of power. Humanitarian Logistics: The Iran conflict is disrupting aid supply routes, with UN agencies reporting delays and higher costs for medicines and emergency relief, including impacts felt in Somalia. Food & Cost Pressures: WFP-linked reporting says the war in the Gulf is pushing millions toward severe food insecurity, with Somalia among the hardest hit by rising food and fuel prices. Maritime Connectivity & Tech: EU-backed work on the Blue-Raman undersea cable extension is set to connect Djibouti with Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania, boosting regional digital capacity. Aviation Links: Oman Air and SalamAir announced new routes, including SalamAir service to Mogadishu from September 3, strengthening travel and trade access. World Cup Admin Fallout: FIFA and Somalia officials reacted to Somali referee Omar Artan being denied US entry, with FIFA urging people to “chill, relax” while Somalia said diplomatic efforts failed. Trade & Shipping: A Turkish shipping firm, Akkon Lines, launched operations in Somalia via Mogadishu Port, signaling more private-sector logistics activity. Counterterrorism: Somali intelligence seized over 100 barrels of bomb-making chemicals allegedly bound for al-Shabaab, alongside reports of an attempted piracy attack north of Somalia.