Green Connectivity: Tajikistan’s Deputy Industry Minister Aziz Nazar says the country’s 98% renewable electricity base and huge hydropower potential could power a “green digital corridor” linking Asia and Europe, with Rogun positioned as a Eurasian “green battery” for AI and sustainable computing. US-Central Asia Business Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a mid-October C5+1 meeting in Samarkand with foreign ministers and a business mission of 100+ American companies, focusing on trade, energy security, private investment and regional economic modernization. Azerbaijan–Tajikistan Trade & Transit: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met Tajik PM Kokhir Rasulzoda in Baku to discuss transport, logistics, trade growth and energy/agriculture cooperation, including Tajik goods moving via the Middle Corridor; Tajikistan’s trade minister also reiterated openness to new partnerships and joint investment. Regional Tourism Deal-Making: Dushanbe opened DITE-2026, a 3-day tourism exhibition featuring B2B meetings, AI and digital tourism discussions, and cooperation signings aimed at building a more connected Central Asia tourism market. Aviation Shock from US Sanctions: New US measures are tightening Iran’s aviation access; the UAE and Oman suspended Iranian airline flights, while other countries including Georgia and Azerbaijan also halted services—raising risks for regional travel and business links.