Aviation & Sanctions: Iranian airlines canceled flights after new US sanctions targeted Iran’s aviation sector, with routes to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan suspended while some services to China continued. Public Health & Industry Impact: WHO reports 7 new polio cases in Afghanistan, bringing confirmed totals to 32, while Afghanistan’s health ministry disputes the “confirmed” count and cites suspected cases—an issue that can disrupt workforce and schooling. Trade & Energy Connectivity: Afghan and Uzbek officials discussed the Tuti Maidan gas block, focusing on technical and financial hurdles to keep the project moving. Agriculture Supply Chain: Merchants warn Afghanistan’s cold storage shortage is spoiling fruits before they reach markets, pushing prices down and increasing losses. Construction & Jobs: A Kunar wood transport ban has closed hundreds of workshops, leaving over 6,000 workers unemployed and delaying construction materials like doors and window frames. Regional Diplomacy: OIC’s Contact Group on Afghanistan met on UNGA sidelines, with Qatar urging continued focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan pressing the Taliban to dismantle militant groups. Air Transport Performance: Ariana Afghan Airlines ranked seventh among 45 Central Asian carriers in Skytrax’s 2026 list, citing service and operational improvements.