Middle East Energy Shock: Oil prices pushed higher again as the US carried out its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran and Iran retaliated across the Gulf, with Brent nearing $93 and WTI above $86 amid fresh fears of supply disruption. Red Sea Shipping Disruption: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis escalated pressure on Saudi exports by threatening a naval blockade and warning shippers, prompting Saudi crude tankers to turn back and raising the risk of wider route changes. Bahrain in the Crosshairs: Bahrain reported air-raid sirens and interceptions as Iranian attacks targeted the island, including claims involving an Amazon data facility, underscoring how regional conflict is spilling into critical infrastructure. Diplomacy vs. Escalation: US-Iran talks via mediators in Pakistan remain stalled after a collapsed MoU, while Marco Rubio said Washington is still open to negotiation but Tehran is “not serious.” GCC Business Angle (AI): A new report argues GCC growth depends on clear AI governance and early workforce investment, highlighting Bahrain alongside Saudi, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Local Economy/Finance: CFI reported its strongest quarter and first half on record, alongside major forex and mobile trading awards. Aviation & Travel: Air France temporarily halted some Middle East routes as conflict risk and higher fuel costs ripple into airline schedules and pricing.