Border Security: Tajikistan says two Afghan nationals were killed in a shootout with border guards in Khatlon’s Fathobod area during an alleged drug-smuggling attempt; authorities report 17 kg of hashish and weapons seized, while Tajik investigators opened cases for trafficking and illegal border crossing. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister consultations in Ashgabat, focusing on tightening diplomatic mechanisms and expanding cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, trade, and culture. Afghan-Adjacent Travel Warning: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe urged Americans to avoid Tajik border areas near Afghanistan, especially GBAO, citing worsening violence in Badakhshan and a recent fatal stray-gunfire incident. Trade & Energy: Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover rose 42.3% in Jan.–July; exports jumped while imports climbed, and China remained the top partner. Rogun Funding Watch: S&P says Tajikistan needs about $5.8bn more to finish Rogun by 2035, with financing split between lenders and the state budget. Tourism Policy: Dushanbe created a tourism fund to reinvest tourist fees and related charges into infrastructure and service quality as visitor numbers rise. Cyber Cooperation: Qatar hosted a Tajik delegation for cybersecurity training and talks on strengthening cooperation. Iran Links Under Pressure: Tajikistan asked Iran for 2.55 million tons of crude and fuel as Russian supplies falter, while U.S. threats of “economic warfare” over Iran raise risks for Central Asian transit and trade. Human Story: An Indian national, Sandeep Kumar, died at the Roghun Hydropower Project site; the Indian Embassy in Dushanbe says officials are coordinating and supporting his family.