Sanctions & Banking Shock: Turkey’s BDDK revoked Mellat Bank’s Istanbul operating license as the US tightens pressure on Iran’s financial channels, with the move framed as a risk to depositors and system stability. US-Iran Standoff: Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, extending Iran sanctions and enabling up to 100% tariffs on Russian energy buyers, while Trump also said Iran still wants a deal but “is losing in every way.” Hormuz Risk to Trade: Analysis highlights how Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline redundancy is being stress-tested after drone attacks, shifting chokepoint risk toward Bab el-Mandeb as shipping costs spike. Energy Prices Hit Households & Markets: Bank of England held rates at 3.75% but warned inflation risks if the Middle East war persists; BoJ lifted rates to a 31-year high as oil-driven inflation pressures build. Saudi Resources Push: Saudi Arabia announced a major uranium and rare-earth discovery at Jabal Sayid, potentially supporting a domestic nuclear fuel cycle. Crypto Sanctions Spillover: US sanctions targeted Iran-linked crypto rails (including BitBank) tied to Hormuz payments, underscoring how digital payments are now in the sanctions crosshairs. Middle East FinTech Angle: Mastercard and HyperPay launched HyperSpend for Saudi SMEs, while AI adoption in investing continues to rise as retail traders lean on tools amid volatility. Regional Finance & Infrastructure: Egypt outlined plans to boost domestic oil and gas output to strengthen energy security, while Pakistan and Türkiye discussed power-sector reforms and DISCO privatisation.