US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. says it launched an 11th straight night of strikes on Iran, aiming to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomacy efforts falter and the conflict widens across the region. Lebanon-US Pivot: After talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump pledged help for Lebanon “a lot” and ordered direct U.S. flights to resume after a 40-plus year hiatus, while advisers framed the meeting as a potential Israel-Lebanon breakthrough. War Funding Fight in Washington: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far and urged Congress to approve roughly $70–$88 billion more, as lawmakers pressed for strategy and oversight. Red Sea Risk: Yemen’s Houthis declared a naval blockade affecting Bab el-Mandeb, prompting Saudi shipping reroutes and raising fears of fresh oil-price pressure if the Red Sea chokepoint is hit too. Energy Cost Pressure: In the Philippines, the Department of Energy warned Middle East-driven fuel and power shocks could trigger another electricity bill spike, with lawmakers urged to expedite investigations into high rates. Aviation & Investment: Uganda Airlines signaled a Boeing order for 737 MAX and 787-9 aircraft, while Nigeria’s airport officials argued privatization and concessions are now “inevitable” to modernize infrastructure.