Middle East Energy & Shipping: China has privately asked Iran to rein in Yemen’s Houthis after Saudi Arabia appealed, as Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb pressure threatens Saudi oil exports and shipping; oil prices eased on de-escalation headlines. Saudi-Egypt Red Sea Security: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Egypt’s Sisi as Houthis seized parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, with analysts saying Riyadh is seeking help to protect shipping and oil infrastructure. Turkey Economy & Inflation: Türkiye’s diesel prices jumped again, topping 100 liras in major cities after two hikes in two days, while the central bank and finance ministry move to stabilize markets amid Iran-war-linked inflation pressure. MENA Finance & Investment: Brookfield plans up to $600m in ACME’s India and Middle East green molecule projects (green ammonia/methanol) for industrial decarbonisation. Saudi SME Funding: Lendo secured up to $200m from Quantic to finance Saudi SMEs’ working capital via a Shariah-compliant crowdfunding model. UAE Diplomacy: UAE adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take years, while stressing maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and that aggression toward Saudi Arabia is “intolerable.” Israel-Morocco Diplomacy: Israel and Morocco agreed to open full embassies and upgrade ties, deepening Abraham Accords amid regional tensions. Turkey Data Security: Turkey’s regulator reported data breaches at 12 firms affecting 10.2m+ people, including a major incident at Eve Kozmetik. Afghan Migration: Thousands of Afghans are returning from Iran due to fighting, soaring prices, and rial collapse, with most reporting joblessness and depleted savings. Business Appointments: PATRIZIA named Hassan Awada to lead MENA expansion from ADGM Abu Dhabi; GAA Living opened a Middle East HQ footprint (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) and a new London headquarters.