US-Iran diplomacy & markets: Trump said a US-Iran peace framework could be signed “this week” in Europe, while talks still hinge on frozen Iranian funds and sanctions mechanics; markets reacted fast with oil and European gas prices easing and Asian stocks rallying on risk-on sentiment. Energy corridor shift: With Hormuz under threat, analysts say Türkiye could market itself as a land bridge between the Gulf and Europe, but the question is whether logistics can realistically replace maritime chokepoints. Eastern Mediterranean energy: The US, Cyprus, Greece and Israel launched the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center at Rice University to coordinate LNG infrastructure, grid reliability and energy research. Defense tech & Europe: Elbit Systems and Germany’s Diehl Defence teamed up to offer the SkyStriker loitering munition for German forces, signaling continued European demand for autonomous precision systems. Qatar-China industrial push: Qatar Free Zones Authority signed MoUs with Chinese firms to build advanced cellular-glass insulation materials manufacturing in Umm Alhoul. UAE legal tech & governance: Sharjah’s Judicial Sciences Institute reviewed the UAE’s updated Civil Transactions Law and how it will be implemented. Egypt industry & exports: SCZONE signed a $27m deal for a technical textiles plant, while MSMEDA partnered with EXBY to help SMEs use AI tools for export market access. Crypto & tech finance: Bitcoin jumped as Iran-deal headlines returned, but traders stayed cautious ahead of the Fed; XRP also drew renewed attention amid renewed focus on cross-border payments.