Sea Turtle Conservation Under Fire: Lebanese marine ecologist Mona Khalil, known for decades of work protecting endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles at Mansouri beach near Tyre, died after injuries from an Israeli strike; her “Orange House” sanctuary and local reserve helped safeguard nesting sites and build community protection against coastal development, pollution, fishing nets, and light pollution. Maritime Climate/Trade Shock: Iran again declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed,” demanding ships seek permission and warning of possible fees, while the US disputed the claim and said merchant traffic continues—raising uncertainty for oil and gas flows that can ripple into Lebanon’s food and energy costs. Diplomacy vs. Lebanon Escalation: US Vice President JD Vance and envoys are set to push US-Iran talks in Switzerland (Bürgenstock) with Pakistan and Qatar mediating, but renewed Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon is repeatedly blamed for derailing or delaying progress. UN Protection Focus: The UN renewed calls for full freedom of movement for peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, warning that restrictions could weaken monitoring in a volatile border zone where civilians remain displaced. Regional Support for Lebanon: Qatar reiterated its backing for Lebanon’s recovery and stability, citing large energy-sector and military fuel support, as regional tensions continue to strain the country’s environment and resilience.