US-Iran Escalation: The US and Iran traded strikes again, with Washington hitting Iranian targets and Tehran retaliating on US-allied bases in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman, while Oil Markets: Brent jumped about 4.6% to around $88, its biggest weekly gain since April, as fears of wider war and Hormuz disruption returned. Gulf Infrastructure Under Fire: Kuwait said Iranian attacks hit a power and water plant and an oil facility, injuring workers and deactivating units. Israel-Iran Military Posture: The US told Israel it plans to deploy more refuelling aircraft as options for a broader campaign against Iran are weighed. Iraq-Syria Energy Pivot: Iraq and Syria signed deals to revive and modernize a long-dormant crude pipeline to the Mediterranean (Haditha/Baniyas), with Chevron and others involved, aiming to cut reliance on the Strait of Hormuz; Iraq also routed thousands of fuel trucks through Syria. Lebanon Ceasefire Violations: Reports say Israeli raids continued in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, while Gaza Funeral Strike: an Israeli strike on a Gaza funeral killed at least seven and wounded 22, drawing renewed condemnation. US Politics and Israel Aid: AIPAC suspended donation options for House Democrats who voted to end Israel aid, as the party’s internal split deepens ahead of midterms. Turkey Rights Crackdown: Turkey blocked access to jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s YouTube and X accounts.