Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev and Kazakhstan’s Tokayev both called Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to congratulate him on his birthday, praising his role in peace, development, and the two countries’ strategic partnership with Tajikistan. Energy & sanctions risk: Tajikistan has begun importing Iranian oil and petroleum products, after talks in Tehran and a request for up to 2.55 million tons a year; the shift comes as Russia’s fuel crisis deepens and raises questions about possible US secondary sanctions. Regional power grid: Tajik energy officials met World Bank representatives on CASA-1000 progress, with construction in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan completed and Afghanistan’s work due to finish by spring 2027. Aviation connectivity: Tajikistan’s parliament ratified a new air services deal with the UAE to increase flight frequency and expand routes, aiming to boost tourism, investment, and trade logistics via Dubai. Security & military drills: Russia’s Center-2026 exercise included tank and helicopter drills in Tajikistan’s mountainous terrain, practicing simulated strikes and tactical airborne landings. Health: Tajikistan carried out its first liver transplant on a two-year-old child with congenital biliary atresia, highlighting growing transplant capacity. Sports: At the Asian Games, India’s Sujeet Kalkal won men’s freestyle 65kg gold in a dramatic comeback over Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev.