Iran–US Stalemate: Iran rejected the 60-day MoU deadline with Washington, saying the U.S. violated commitments and that Tehran won’t accept time pressure, while both sides remain locked over sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and nuclear issues. US–Korea Drills: Trump ordered a substantial reduction in joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea, citing costs and signaling toward North Korea, as the planned maneuvers begin amid heightened regional tensions. Ebola Emergency: The UN says Ebola in eastern DR Congo is killing about one person every 30 minutes, with 2,184 deaths reported and new funding and staff deployed to speed up the response. EU Sanctions Push: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says a major new Russia sanctions package is coming this autumn, potentially expanding the number of targeted Russians and entities by a third. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Philippines’ planning chief Arsenio Balisacan says higher infrastructure spending hasn’t yet closed the competitiveness gap with ASEAN peers, urging better project selection and execution. Southeast Asia Energy: Laos reports a sharp rise in electricity generation in early 2026, aiming to turn hydropower into a bigger export and regional grid asset. Health & Business: A trial update backs TAGRISSO plus savolitinib for MET-driven EGFR-mutated lung cancer after progression, while UAE’s central bank reaffirmed banking resilience in its 2025 stability report.