Iran Sanctions Watch: US President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran “hard” economically, following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s plan for new measures as early as next week, with options ranging from tighter curbs on Iran-linked shipping and insurers to potential secondary sanctions targeting Chinese “teapot” refiners and other intermediaries. Caspian Legal Stakes: Iran moved to ratify the 2018 Caspian Sea legal-status convention, a step meant to clarify rights and security arrangements among the five littoral states—an issue with direct implications for regional trade and energy routes. Turkmenistan–Pakistan Energy: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov said substantive TAPI pipeline consultations with Pakistan are set to resume within months, after Turkmenistan completes its Herat-area section by year-end. Turkmenistan–Türkiye Trade Ties: Ashgabat met the departing Turkish ambassador, highlighting plans to expand trade and economic cooperation alongside political and cultural links. Caspian Trade Logistics: A new push to coordinate Azerbaijan’s Alat Port with Turkmenbashi aims to make the Middle Corridor work as one integrated logistics system, targeting fewer delays and smoother cross-border cargo flows. Business & Travel Note: A review of Turkmenistan Airlines’ business-class service from London via Ashgabat to Bangkok points to cheaper fares but limited mainstream booking access.