Middle East Security: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi told Iraq that Tehran will control the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days, warning against “parallel structures” as the US-Iran ceasefire framework faces renewed strain. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi met Araghchi in Baghdad, backing diplomacy to end wars, while Iraq floated hosting a Gulf-Iran-Iraq meeting to end the broader conflict. Lebanon Heritage Under Fire: Lebanon’s culture minister said Israeli strikes damaged or destroyed heritage sites across southern Lebanon even after a ceasefire, with troops still holding a security zone. Anti-Corruption Crackdown (Iraq): Iraqi forces raided Baghdad’s Green Zone, arresting politicians and senior officials in a PM-ordered corruption drive. Press Freedom (East Africa): East African press councils urged an end to hostility between governments and media, citing intimidation and harassment of journalists. Digital Rights & Safety (Indonesia): Indonesia’s child online protection rules are shifting from rollout to results, with age checks and tighter duties for higher-risk platforms. Public Health (Bangladesh): Bangladesh launched a Vitamin A capsule campaign, with the health minister saying this year’s UNICEF-supplied capsules were tested internationally. Energy Access (Global): A new report warns 655 million people still lack electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa the worst hit and affordability flagged as the key policy gap. Climate & Trade (Seychelles/India): PM Modi used Seychelles talks to push an “Ocean of Opportunity” vision linking maritime security with economic growth and fairness on climate burdens. Entrepreneurship (UAE/Egypt): UAE topped the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for a fifth straight year, while Egypt secured the 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Festival to boost startups and SMEs. Government Tech Oversight (US): Animal welfare groups sued the USDA over exemptions from bird protections under the Animal Welfare Act.