Deep-Sea Mining Legal Clash: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML), subsidiaries of The Metals Company, have filed cases at ITLOS in Hamburg seeking to halt an ISA compliance investigation, arguing the process breaches due process and non-discrimination; NORI says its exploration contract expires 22 July 2026 and that an extension is being withheld. Regional Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting in Wellington, adopting a communiqué and confirming New Zealand’s Shane Jones as chair for 2026–27. Pacific Security Politics: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, banning foreign military bases on Vanuatu soil while watering down limits on third-party investment via consultation; China immediately pushed back, warning such deals shouldn’t target third countries. Nauru Identity & Sovereignty: Nauru’s parliament has passed an unopposed move to hold a referendum to adopt “Naoero,” reviving the indigenous name as a formal national identity change. Education Data Push (Samoa): Samoa launched SEMIS, a real-time education data system to help target school support earlier. Nauru Immigration Operations Update: Australia’s OSB reporting notes UMAs transferred to regional processing and voluntary returns, with resettlement figures; processing of protection claims remains Nauru’s responsibility.