Afghanistan Transit Deal: Iran, Tajikistan and the Taliban agreed on a new road corridor through Afghanistan to move cargo between Iran and Tajikistan, with a pilot shipment expected within a month and a joint working group to streamline customs, driver visas and logistics. Forestry Push: Tajikistan is using satellites and field checks for a national forest inventory, while also reporting major restoration and expansion work—planting and restoring thousands of hectares to rebuild degraded woodland. Civil Society Under Pressure: A new report says Tajikistan’s civil society operates under formal freedoms but faces real-world constraints, including intimidation, politically motivated cases, and shrinking space for independent media. Mining Update: Tajikistan says it has identified 259 mineral deposits with industrial reserves after approving 259 exploration reports, as part of a push to expand the resource base for strategic industries. Regional Connectivity & Diplomacy: Deputy PM Mohammad Ishaq Dar traveled to China for the World AI Conference and related AI governance talks, while Central Asia and the EU plan a high-level agenda for 2026–2027. Sports & Youth: AFC U-17 Women’s qualifiers draw Tajikistan into the tournament and sets group-stage matches in October, with Tajikistan among the hosts. Border Progress: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have started installing border pillars after delimitation, marking the next step toward fully implementing their border agreement.