US-Iran Escalation: The US and Iran traded strikes again after a month-long lull, with Washington hitting Iranian launchers near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran firing ballistic missiles at US bases in Jordan; Trump vowed “hit them hard” and said defenses intercepted the Jordan missiles, while Iran warned of severe retaliation if provoked again. UN and War-Crimes Claims: Iran formally demanded UN Security Council action over the Larak strike, calling it aggression and a war crime, and linked it to attacks on US bases in Jordan. Hormuz and Markets: Oil pushed above $90 as traders priced renewed supply-risk around the Strait of Hormuz, while stocks slid on inflation worries tied to energy volatility. EU Sanctions Row: Iran accused the EU of “surrendering sovereignty” by backing US sanctions, arguing Brussels is imitating Washington rather than acting independently. Regional Condemnations: Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan and the UAE, urging de-escalation and dialogue. Mecca Defence Alliance: Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia agreed to set up a secretariat under the Mecca Joint Defence pact, with Istanbul’s first institutional decisions announced. Turkey-Greece-Israel Deal: Israel approved a $3.6B multilayer air-defense system for Greece, amid rising tensions with Turkey. Saudi Tech Push: Saudi Arabia announced major AI and tech investments around LEAP, signaling continued Vision 2030 momentum.