Gulf-Backed Diplomacy: U.S. President Donald Trump says talks to wind down the Iran war and revive Strait of Hormuz cargo traffic will start Monday, after he paused threatened major strikes—while Iranian state media says Tehran is not currently negotiating with Washington. Syria-Kurdish Integration: Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Iraq’s Kurdistan Region leader Nechirvan Barzani in Damascus to discuss economic cooperation and follow up on the Damascus–SDF integration deal after clashes earlier this year. Regional Economic Links: The Sharaa-Barzani meetings also focused on security and stability, with attention on Kurdish-held areas and the role of the KRG in hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees. Gulf Investment in Syria Agriculture: Qatar’s Baladna Food Industries plans a $3.3 billion Syria project spanning cotton, wheat, textiles and farming techniques, as Gulf investors jockey to rebuild and limit Iranian influence. Oil Route Pressure on Iraq: Iraq’s SOMO is offering steep discounts to buyers willing to load crude and ship through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting how the war and shipping risks are squeezing exports. Damascus Economic Narrative: Sharaa told Al Jazeera that Assad’s fall was necessary for Syria and the wider region, arguing military action must be paired with governance, institution-building and economic rebuilding.