US–Iran Tensions: The Strait of Hormuz is again at the center of global risk as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announces a closure after a vessel incident, while the US launches another round of strikes and markets brace for oil and inflation shocks. US Politics & Justice: Epstein survivors are pressing Sen. John Kennedy to oppose Trump’s attorney general nominee Todd Blanche, keeping the scandal’s legal fallout in the spotlight. Fed & AI Economy: Fed leadership is setting up new task forces on how general-purpose technologies like AI should shape rate decisions, underscoring how chips and data-center demand are feeding into monetary policy debates. Trade & Diplomacy: India and Canada say they’ve made headway in CEPA talks and aim to finalize a trade pact in 2026, while Piyush Goyal leads business missions to Europe to deepen investment and technology ties. EU Trade & Israel: EU foreign ministers face pressure over a possible ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, with options ranging from bans to tariffs or licensing. ASEAN Crisis Planning: The Philippines urges ASEAN to tighten crisis communication after West Asia disruptions exposed energy and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Burundi Crackdown & Language Shift: Burundi reports mass youth arrests in Bujumbura, while Swahili is promoted as a future-facing language powered by AI. Moldova EU Path: Maia Sandu nominates Vasile Tofan as prime minister as parliament weighs a sensitive reset for reforms and EU accession.