Caspian Sea Crisis: Iran’s environment officials say the Caspian has hit a roughly 200-year low, with the level down 10–20 cm a year in places, driven by higher temperatures, evaporation, reduced inflows and a negative water balance—raising risks for ports, coastal communities and ecosystems. Trans-Caspian Deliverables: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the U.S. stressed that Trans-Caspian cooperation must produce “deliverables,” pointing to the Cholpon-Ata Declaration signed July 31 by Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan, with trade, transport, logistics and energy on the agenda. Awaza Environmental Push: Turkmenistan marked Caspian Sea Day in Awaza with an international conference under the Tehran Convention, bringing together Caspian littoral states, the EU and major UN and regional bodies to focus on ecosystem protection and sustainable development. Turkmen-Saudi Trade Talks: Ashgabat met Saudi officials to deepen political dialogue and expand trade and economic ties, including cooperation through multilateral platforms. Fuel Rules Tightened: Turkmenistan cut the diesel allowance for vehicles leaving the country from 300 to 150 liters and raised the fee for extra liters, a move aimed at curbing fuel outflows amid persistent shortages. Business & Logistics Calendar: Ashgabat is set to host ITTC 2026 on international transport and transit corridors, with a focus on the Middle Corridor and Caspian Sea routes, plus digital logistics and investment opportunities. Market Activity: SCRMET auctions recorded 59 transactions totaling over $224,000, with foreign-currency purchases including cotton yarn and liquorice root extract.