Sanctions & Shadow Banking: The US Treasury sanctioned an Iranian-linked LPG smuggling and shadow banking network using UAE/China front firms, falsified shipping records and “shadow fleet” vessels, targeting entities tied to exports to Asia. Lebanon Aid Crunch: The UN more than doubled its Lebanon aid appeal to nearly $640m over six months as Israel’s war with Hezbollah drives mass displacement and civilian casualties. Iraq Infrastructure Push: The World Bank approved a $900m package to upgrade Iraq’s road corridors (Baghdad–Turkey and Baghdad–Syria/Jordan), aiming to boost trade, safety and jobs across Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. Iran Deal Hurdles: Iran says it wants 50% of frozen assets released immediately (total $24bn) as a trust test before any US nuclear talks move forward. Energy Shock Watch: Oil prices eased on diplomatic hopes, but the IMF warned of a “domino effect” from oil dynamics—fuel costs rising and logistics disruptions hitting Hormuz-linked supply chains. Turkey Inflation/Policy: Turkey’s finance minister said price-stability steps continue as May inflation held at 32.61% y/y. Saudi Waqf Model: Saudi business leaders urged wider adoption of waqf endowments to mobilize long-term capital for development. Property Rules (Saudi): Saudi Arabia issued implementing requirements for non-resident foreign companies to own property without operating locally, via authenticated documents and digital identity.