Gulf-US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a GCC tour in Bahrain, telling Gulf allies Washington will factor in their security concerns as it pursues a US-Iran framework, while the US and GCC jointly demanded the Strait of Hormuz be reopened with “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” and rejected any tolls or attempts to control the waterway. Kuwait Foreign Policy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah led Kuwait’s delegation to the GCC-US ministerial meeting, with discussions focused on regional security and de-escalation after the US-Iran MoU. Hormuz Disruption: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation plan after a ship was hit near Oman, renewing fears over safe passage as Iran threatens vessels using routes without Tehran’s permission. US Military Posture: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is reviewing its Gulf footprint after Iranian strikes damaged the Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, with options including shrinking operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and relocating some capabilities farther west, potentially to Israel. Kuwait Anti-Drug Push: Kuwait’s Interior Minister said authorities intercepted about 95% of drug shipments, as a national anti-drug campaign urged stronger preparation for students abroad and highlighted Kuwait’s updated anti-drug law. Education & Finance: Kuwait University jumped nearly 400 places in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and Kuwait’s Finance Ministry won “Deal of the Year” for its sovereign bond issuance.