US-Iran Escalation: Drones and missiles hit across the region as the US carried out its 13th straight night of strikes on Iran; explosions were reported near a US base in northern Iraq and sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked tankers pushed oil back above $100. Shipping & Energy Pressure: Diversions around the Strait of Hormuz are stuck at about 4x pre-crisis levels, with longer port dwell times and higher insurance costs—raising costs for Gulf and wider markets. US Trade Shock: The US imposed fresh 10–12.5% forced-labour tariffs on 60 trading partners, including several Gulf states, adding another layer of economic strain. Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi Arabia agreed a civilian nuclear cooperation framework, but Trump’s added Israel-normalisation condition leaves the deal’s future in limbo. UAE Tourism Push: Dubai launched “Dubai Invite” to pay residents rewards for bringing visitors, aiming to offset tourism slump tied to regional conflict. Digital Government: Saudi Arabia topped the MENA digital government services index for a fourth year, scoring 99% overall. Local Mobility: Abu Dhabi taxi fare talks are underway after DTC’s acquisition of National Taxi, with any changes needing government approval. Cybersecurity: Mastercard warned cyberattacks across MENA rose 13% and data-breach costs are high, with a major staffing shortfall.