US-Iran Escalation: The US launched a second straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting surveillance, communications and air-defence sites, as Trump said he will “hit them again hard” and Tehran retaliated by striking US-linked bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan—raising fears the April ceasefire is slipping. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: Iran claimed it fully closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned ships would be fired on, while the US disputed the claim; oil jumped with Brent above $95 and WTI near $93, keeping energy-price pressure front and centre. Markets & Inflation: The Iran war shock is feeding inflation worries, with US consumer prices rising above 4% and global equities pressured; the ECB is set to hike rates to contain the energy-driven inflation surge. Aviation Impact: IATA warned airline profits will fall sharply in 2026 as Iran conflict disrupts Middle East air traffic and lifts fuel costs; Emirates said it has scrapped profit targets and could break even if disruption continues, while Wizz Air reported a major profit hit. Egypt Economy: Egypt raised health spending by 25% in its 2026/27 plan and cleared all outstanding oil and gas dues worth over $6bn, aiming to restore investment confidence. G7 Diplomacy: France invited Arab leaders including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to G7 talks focused on Iran and Hormuz, alongside Ukraine discussions with Zelensky. Clean Industry Finance: MENA is emerging as a major clean-industry investment hotspot, with $642bn in potential projects tied to clean fuels, fertilisers, steel and aluminium.