US–Saudi Nuclear Deal: The Trump administration signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that would let U.S. firms build and supply commercial nuclear plants, triggering alarm in Israel and proliferation concerns in Washington as the pact’s oversight terms are seen as weaker than “gold standard” safeguards. Middle East War & Shipping: Iran-linked Houthis declared a naval blockade affecting the Bab al-Mandab “Gate of Tears,” while Red Sea tanker attacks and renewed strikes keep pressure on global energy routes and prices. Regional Diplomacy: In Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Asian allies Washington won’t abandon them even as it engages China; Russia’s Lavrov warned against “unacceptable” arms deliveries to Ukraine. Humanitarian & Civil Society: Oxfam and other NGOs urged world leaders to fund Gaza reconstruction, putting the price tag at about $71.4 billion over a decade. Philippines Government Response: Manila said it identified P22.79 billion in budget savings to expand assistance for vulnerable groups hit by the Middle East crisis, including a larger Uplift program for poor and near-poor families. Local Resilience: Parañaque installed solar lighting at City Hall to cut electricity bills and prepare for fuel and power price shocks. Jobs & Skills: Iraq’s youth unemployment crisis remains acute as graduates struggle to find work amid limited government hiring capacity. Energy Market Spillovers: Spain’s ecological transition minister said gas volatility from Middle East tensions is mainly showing up in prices, not supply, while oil-driven inflation risks ripple across the region.