US-Iran Ceasefire & Hormuz Reopen: The US and Iran signed a 14-point interim MoU to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz with “no charge” transit, and start a 60-day negotiation track on nuclear and sanctions issues; the IAEA says it’s ready to define “concrete steps” for uranium dilution under supervision. Mediation Spotlight: Pakistan’s role as broker is highlighted as Islamabad helped keep talks alive through backchannels and sustained engagement. Markets React: Oil slid toward the high-$70s as traders priced in easing supply fears, while global stocks were mixed; Japan’s Nikkei hit a record above 71,000 on deal optimism. Security Tech Demand: Drone threats are driving faster investment in airport defense tech like detection and counter-drone systems. Regional Tech & Industry: Saudi Arabia signed $507m housing and smart-city deals with Chinese firms; Egypt pushed startup-friendly tax simplification and continues startup accelerators. Iraq Infrastructure Study: Iraq’s Development Fund commissioned a new study for the Baghdad Metro before implementation can begin. Turkey Border Seizure: Türkiye seized 4.3 tonnes of pregabalin at the Greece border using risk-analysis tech.