US-Iran Deal Pressure: Trump sent back a revised Iran ceasefire/nuclear draft with tougher conditions, spotlighting nuclear limits, Strait of Hormuz access, and tighter scrutiny around any unfreezing of Iranian assets—negotiations now stretch at least another week. Oil & Markets: Fresh US-Iran strikes and Israel-Lebanon escalation pushed Brent up ~3% and lifted energy risk premiums; Asian equities hit records on AI optimism even as investors stayed jumpy on rates and oil. Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin slid below $77K amid the renewed exchange of fire; US actions also included a reported $1B Iranian crypto seizure, adding to financial squeeze fears. Banking/Investing Flows: South Korea’s institutions cut foreign securities in Q1 as Middle East geopolitics and higher US Treasury yields drove valuation losses. Digital Economy Shock: After 88 days of near-total internet blackout, Iran has begun reconnecting—uneven access and continued filtering underline how war and control reshaped daily life. GCC/Media Ownership: UAE’s IMI took full control of Sky News Arabia, as scrutiny continues over coverage of Sudan. Egypt FinTech/Real Assets: Egypt’s FRA cut MCDR fees to boost digital real estate investment platforms, while MRMIA signed an MoU with Turkiye’s OZ Mining to assess Eastern Desert gold deposits. Regional Trade Links: Dubai Chambers advanced Dubai-Ethiopia trade and investment talks with Ethiopia’s industry and sovereign wealth stakeholders.