US-Iran Escalation: Trump told reporters at NATO in Ankara that the Iran “memorandum of understanding” is “over,” calling talks “a waste of time,” after Washington launched strikes in retaliation for attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran hit back with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait, while the US also revoked a license for Iranian oil sales—pushing Brent up about 6% and rattling markets. Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Vessel-tracking data showed multiple oil and LNG tankers making U-turns amid renewed security fears, threatening energy flows through the chokepoint. Iraq-Iran Funeral Politics: In Iraq, Najaf and Karbala hosted massive Khamenei funeral processions as tensions with the US and Gulf states intensified, with heavy security and public holidays declared. NATO Spending Push (Türkiye): Erdoğan said Türkiye aims to reach NATO’s 5% defense/security spending target by 2030—five years early—citing defense-industry growth and the Steel Dome air/missile defense project. Energy Deals & Logistics: UAE’s ADNOC signed a long-term energy security partnership with South Korea to expand crude supply and emergency coordination; Gulftainer unveiled a $2bn global trade infrastructure strategy. NGO/Development Funding Context: A UN-linked SDG report warns progress is uneven and calls for scaling what works, as development financing faces pressure and civic space shrinks. Regional Governance/Corruption: Iraq’s anti-corruption crackdown drew scepticism despite high-profile raids, highlighting limits of enforcement.