US–Iran Frozen Funds for Humanitarian Aid: The WSJ reports the US is working with Qatar to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets for humanitarian spending, starting with $6B in Qatar for food and medicine via Iran’s central bank, with more pools (including $24B) potentially on the table if Iran stays engaged. Diplomacy vs. Lebanon Ceasefire: Markets are jittery as US-Iran talks in Switzerland are delayed/cancelled amid renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon, with a Lebanon ceasefire framed as a condition for the next 60-day nuclear-focused phase. Sanctions Relief and IRGC Business Stakes: Analysts warn that any sanctions easing could disproportionately benefit Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, complicating sanctions compliance given the IRGC’s commercial footprint. Market Mood: Global shares slipped after the talks were called off; oil hovered below $80 as Strait of Hormuz traffic resumed following the blockade lift, but investors remain focused on deal durability. Regional Finance & Energy: Saudi tourism hit a record in 2025 (122.9M visitors; tourism spending SR304B), while Türkiye and Germany pushed deeper energy and critical-minerals cooperation amid Hormuz-linked volatility. Banking/Policy Watch: The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% as it weighs uncertain energy-shock spillovers into inflation. Energy Deals in the Gulf Orbit: Petronas marked 30 years in Turkmenistan and signed new upstream agreements, underscoring continued cross-border energy investment momentum.