US-Iran Tensions: Fresh strikes and warnings over control of the Strait of Hormuz are pulling Jordan and Bahrain deeper into the fallout, with shipping disruption and energy fears rising as a fragile ceasefire strains. Climate & Food Prices: Economists warn a potentially “super” El Niño could drive severe global food price shocks lasting into 2028, stacking on war-linked supply stress. Local Governance Accountability: South Africa’s National Treasury is withholding equitable-share transfers from failing municipalities after repeated Auditor-General warnings, as irregular spending and service collapse spread. Philippines-US Security Debate: Militant fishers and progressive groups protest the planned Economic Security Zone under the Luzon Economic Corridor, arguing it threatens sovereignty and increases militarization. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Tuvalu moves closer to its first National Security Policy, framing security as whole-of-society and including climate, cyber, migration and economic resilience. Armenia’s Drone Push: Armenia’s drone industry is expanding with international partnership hopes as Yerevan bets on UAVs for security. Health & Recovery: Lesotho’s Back-to-Care campaign reconnected 1,802 people to HIV treatment after treatment interruptions, boosting epidemic control efforts. Politics & Budgets: The Philippines Supreme Court continues oral arguments on petitions challenging constitutionality of unprogrammed funds and special accounts in recent national budgets.