Iran-U.S. escalation and energy focus: Trump says he’ll “hit them very hard” and is reviewing a new phase aimed at Iran’s power plants, refineries and electricity grid, but then announced a pause after talks with Saudi Arabia and signals of a deal path—raising the stakes for regional stability and the Strait of Hormuz. Gaza disarmament uncertainty: A “historic” Hamas disarmament framework faces pushback from Israel and stalled reconstruction, leaving Gaza’s fragile peace in limbo. Cyber and water security: U.S. and partners warn that malicious cyber actors have targeted water systems across multiple states; intelligence points to Iran-linked activity, underlining climate-adjacent risks to critical infrastructure. Marine invasion risk from Hormuz disruption: Scientists warn idling ships near the Strait of Hormuz could spread invasive species globally when traffic resumes. UAE biodiversity protection: Dubai highlights the Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve as a rare mix of mountain ecosystems and freshwater habitats within its protected-area network. Saudi logistics electrification: Saudi Diesel and Bobcat push electric material-handling equipment to cut warehouse emissions under Vision 2030. Iraq disarmament pressure: U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-aligned groups harden faction resistance, complicating Iraq’s plans to bring armed groups under state control. Health policy with environmental spillover: Israel’s new graphic tobacco packaging rules take effect, part of broader public-health protections.