Middle East Escalation: Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US assets in the Gulf after US strikes on Iran, with regional states warning the Strait of Hormuz risks spiraling and Qatar urging dialogue and diplomacy. Regional Diplomacy: Myanmar’s foreign minister is set to attend ASEAN talks in Bangkok as the junta seeks re-entry, while Turkey and Qatar also held calls focused on de-escalation. Parliamentary Accountability: Jordan’s former minister urged the House of Representatives to fully use constitutional oversight tools, including no-confidence votes, to tackle corruption. Governance Performance: A Philippines governance index review says the country has electoral democracy but struggles to turn political contestation into durable institutions. Public Health Preparedness: Global health and emergency leaders gathered at Ichilov Medical Center for crisis preparedness training, reflecting hospitals’ growing role in national resilience. Energy & Infrastructure: Ghana’s Energy Commission signed an MoU with UAE-based Global South Utilities to support the energy transition; Kazakhstan ordered faster adoption of water-saving tech and launched a water data system. Sports & Politics: FIFA World Cup governance remains under scrutiny after political pressure over a US player’s suspension; in Gaza, an aid worker who ran World Cup screenings was killed in an Israeli strike. Regulation & Integrity: A US prediction-markets case alleges insider trading tied to national security, while a separate report argues pharma funding and revolving-door ties distort drug regulation.