US-Iran Gulf flare-up: The US intercepted four Iranian one-way drones toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk, as Iran warned of further retaliation and Kuwait and Bahrain raised alerts. Ceasefire pressure: The renewed strikes come despite a US-Iran ceasefire since April 8 and ongoing talks that still haven’t produced a broader deal. Markets and energy risk: Oil and gas volatility remains a business headache, with analysts warning the Hormuz disruption could tighten supplies and lift costs. Bahrain jobs warning: A Bahrain business leader said instability could put 36 million jobs at risk by 2027, citing higher energy, transport and insurance costs. EU/renewables finance: IRENA signed a partnership with Etihad Credit Insurance to help de-risk renewable projects in the Middle East and GCC. Turkey sustainability push: Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdoğan backed zero-waste as climate action ahead of COP31 preparations. West Bank tensions: Israeli forces killed a Palestinian infant in the occupied West Bank, while separate reports highlighted continued arrests and investigations tied to alleged plots. Saudi heritage find: Saudi archaeologists at Diriyah unearthed an Abbasid-era ceramic jar packed with 100+ pieces of gold and gemstone jewellery. Business & tech: Palantir won a UK police database contract, while an Israeli startup hired a privacy executive from Tinder’s parent company to expand AI governance offerings.