Regional Energy & Trade: A “Four Seas Initiative” backed by the New Lines Institute is pitching Syria as a regional energy and transport hub, using corridors linking the Gulf, Caspian, Mediterranean and Black Sea via oil, gas, electricity, rail and communications—aiming to reconnect economies after years of conflict. Diplomacy & Sanctions Outlook: Syria secured an invitation to the G7 summit in France as a guest nation for the first time since 1975, with President Ahmed Al Sharaa expected to push Syria’s role in supply chains as Strait of Hormuz disruption reshapes routes. US-Iran Deal Watch: Pakistan says the US and Iran have agreed “final text” wording to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with electronic signing and next steps expected soon—an outcome that could quickly shift regional shipping and costs. Railway Modernization: Damascus is studying plans to rehabilitate and upgrade its railway network to boost freight and passenger movement and deepen links with Iraq, Turkey and Jordan, targeting major investment needs after war damage. Security & Governance: Syria’s president denied plans for military intervention in Lebanon and said border demarcation is not a priority amid Lebanon’s displacement crisis. Data Security Shock: A leak of about 19GB of Syrian Foreign Ministry documents published on Telegram has sparked controversy over digital security during the transition. Human Impact: Euphrates drownings in Deir Ezzor have reportedly reached around 35 this season, mostly involving children and young men, as warnings fail to change behavior.