Strait of Hormuz Security: France’s Macron says Paris will keep mine-countermeasure capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz even after the Charles de Gaulle carrier returns to Toulon, underlining how any disruption to oil and LNG shipping could quickly hit European energy markets. Heatwave Strains Power: Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant is resuming full output after Danube cooling improved, after a week of heat-related reductions tied to water temperature limits. Oil Market Calm After Tension: Oil prices were little changed as Persian Gulf flows recovered toward pre-war levels and US-Iran talks supported a softer risk premium, with Brent just above $72 and WTI below $69. Iran-Japan Oil Talks: Iran has started talks with Japanese buyers under a US sanctions waiver, but buyers are seeking a longer waiver and assurances on tanker safety—an important signal for future supply routes. EU Grid Build-Out: Hitachi Energy won a ~€770m contract for the ELMED HVDC submarine link between Tunisia and Italy, a 600MW interconnector aimed at boosting Europe’s energy security. Energy-Transition Industry Push: ACME Green Molecules and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical agreed a $1bn deal to supply 100,000 tonnes a year of RFNBO-compliant green methanol from India, targeting EU and IMO-aligned marine decarbonisation. EU-India Finance Link: India and France co-chaired the Economic and Financial Dialogue, focusing on critical minerals, economic sovereignty and financial ties—areas that increasingly overlap with energy supply chains. Ukraine Drone Hit on Russian Energy Ports: St Petersburg and the Leningrad region reported a major Ukrainian drone attack, with local reports of damage at an oil export terminal and strikes on the Vysotsk port handling oil and LNG.