Geopolitics & Markets: US-Iran strikes keep ratcheting up risk around the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent and WTI to multi-month highs and dragging sentiment across global equities. Energy Corridors: Iraq and Syria move to revive the long-closed Iraq–Syria crude pipeline, while Washington-backed deals aim to build alternative export routes that reduce dependence on Hormuz. Iraq-US Deal Flow: Iraq’s PM signed 48 MoUs with US firms worth $60bn+ including Starlink licensing and energy, infrastructure and pipeline projects. Digital Connectivity: Iraq grants Starlink a satellite internet licence, targeting better access for remote consumers and businesses and supporting Iraq’s digital transformation. Banking Performance (India): ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank all reported stronger Q1 profits on loan growth and lower provisions, reflecting improving credit demand despite regional turmoil. Crypto & Policy: Commentary flags Trump’s normalization of crypto as a potential risk for the next financial blow-up, as markets react to the Iran-driven risk-off mood. Real Assets (Saudi): Jozo’s fractional real estate platform gets Sharia certification, signaling continued growth in regulated tokenized property access. Social Security Investing (Jordan): Jordan’s Social Security Investment Fund assets rise to about JOD 19.7bn by end-June, with net investment income and cash dividends boosting returns. EU/Israel Trade & Settlements: Belgium approves an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, while the EU reiterates concerns over West Bank settlement expansion.