Middle East War & Diplomacy: Trump has ordered a new wave of strikes on Iran, with reports pointing to attacks on energy infrastructure as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint; Iran warns the US and allies that escalation will tighten Hormuz further, while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi tells Britain not to let US forces use British bases, framing it as aggression under international law. Regional Spillover (Iraq & Kuwait): The US is evaluating whether to scale back its Kuwait footprint after Iran-linked missile/drone pressure, while Iraq faces renewed strain as Iran-aligned militias and Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq are targeted amid the wider US-Iran flare-up. Gaza Deal & Israel Politics: A phased Gaza framework backed by mediators hinges on Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but major sequencing and compliance hurdles remain as Israel signals it won’t fully move without conditions. Christian Life & Pilgrimage: Nigeria’s Christian Pilgrim Commission lifts its ban on pilgrimages to Israel after reassessing security in Jerusalem, while Palestinian Christian leaders warn US evangelicals are overlooking their plight. Culture & Identity: Boy George exits Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over a pro-Israel song, and wealthy Gulf families increasingly use English law to sidestep Islamic inheritance rules that disadvantage daughters. Faith & Heritage: Arbaeen pilgrims keep streaming into Iraq for Karbala despite war conditions, and archaeologists in Egypt uncover Greco-Roman-influenced tomb objects at Tel El-Deir.