Gulf Water Under Fire: Iran-linked strikes hit Kuwait’s power and desalination infrastructure, triggering fires, forcing precautionary shutdowns of generating units, and suspending flights as airspace is closed. Regional Air Defense: Jordan says it intercepted and shot down 10 Iranian missiles with no casualties, while Kuwait and Jordan report repeated missile/drone activity tied to the US-Iran escalation. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: With Hormuz and wider shipping risks back in focus, the US and partners push alternatives—Energy Corridors: Iraq and Syria sign an MoU to restore the Haditha–Baniyas oil pipeline, with Chevron overseeing and aiming to reduce reliance on Hormuz. Iraq Tech & Connectivity: Iraq signs deals including Starlink licensing/introductions as part of a broader $60B US-Iraq business push. AI Market Mood: A sharp selloff hits AI and chip stocks as investors question returns on AI spending amid Middle East tensions. Turkey Space & Timekeeping: Türkiye advances with a domestically developed rubidium atomic clock reaching orbit for navigation/timing tests, and satellite thruster work for collision avoidance. YouTube Safety: YouTube rolls out supervised kid accounts across MENA with parental controls and age-appropriate settings. Saudi Nuclear Deal: A draft US-Saudi accord would allow uranium enrichment with safeguards still in limbo pending Trump sign-off.