Yemen–Saudi escalation: Houthis said they fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia after strikes on Hodeida, targeting Aramco-linked sites in Yanbu and Jizan, while Saudi civil defense reported alerts. Red Sea oil shock: Brent slipped back under $100 after the surge tied to Red Sea attacks, with markets watching whether shipping through key straits stays open. US sanctions fintech: The US Treasury sanctioned İstanbul’s Zedpay and its Iranian-linked chairperson over alleged payment services used to evade Iran sanctions via a UK crypto exchange network. Israel–Nigeria innovation: Israel announced funding for iFAIR 5, aiming to expand its inventor fellowship and boost Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Quantum push: Israel’s Innovation Authority pledged NIS 100m (~$33m) for national quantum computing infrastructure and an R&D center for universities and startups. Quantum + nuclear politics collide: A US–Saudi civilian nuclear deal is being questioned after Trump publicly added conditions tied to enrichment and Abraham Accords, reigniting proliferation concerns. AI in defense: US forces reportedly achieved their first combat interception with the Merops drone system, downing a Shahed-type target in Kuwait after Ukraine battlefield testing. Gulf education coordination: GCC education bodies met to plan future-ready schooling, with AI and tech highlighted as priorities. Israel crackdown: Israel arrested dozens in the West Bank after a shooting that killed Palestinians and Israelis, as raids expanded across villages.