Cybersecurity & Energy Security: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, prompting government guidance to energy firms; officials say it was a small generator with no wider grid impact, but the incident is framed as a major escalation alongside earlier attacks on US water infrastructure. Sanctions & Regional Retaliation: Iran’s top security officials warn that any country joining the US “economic war” will be treated as an enemy, with threats of “seismic” retaliation and pressure on Gulf oil routes as Hormuz traffic remains heavily disrupted. Diplomacy in Syria: Syria’s foreign minister says talks with Israel on a security deal could resume soon, while stressing Damascus does not trust Israel and prioritizes stopping attacks and building confidence. Household Cost Pressure: Ofgem is set to announce the next energy price cap for Oct–Dec, with forecasts pointing to another rise for UK households amid Middle East-linked wholesale price uncertainty. Regional Governance & Oversight: Lebanon’s passport-forgery and identity-proxy networks highlight how oversight failures can enable covert movement tied to regional conflict dynamics. Economic/Investment Signals: Dangote is reportedly planning a $17bn refinery expansion in Kenya, offering equity stakes to East African partners to deepen regional refining and energy cooperation.