US-Iran Escalation: The six-month U.S.-Iran war flared again after fresh U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran retaliating across the Gulf and into Iraq’s Kurdistan region; Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei warned a “new strategy” will “shatter” U.S. foundations, while Iran’s parliament-linked officials floated “war reparations” tied to Hormuz passage. Civilian Strike Fallout: Iran and regional officials condemned a U.S. strike on a wedding in Sirik/Kouhestak as a war crime, with Iran’s Red Crescent calling for ICC action and Tehran’s foreign ministry saying America is in “moral decline.” Regional Condemnations: The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan all issued strong condemnations of Iranian attacks on their territory and backed measures to protect sovereignty, as drones and missiles were reported intercepted over Erbil and elsewhere. Economic Pressure & Currency: Iran’s rial hit record lows as U.S. sanctions tighten; Treasury chief Scott Bessent warned Iran’s outside backers to “stay away” and said the administration will “asphyxiate” Tehran’s lifelines. Energy Markets: WTI hovered near five-week highs amid renewed Hormuz risk, while the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve reportedly fell to its lowest level since 1982. Russia-Iran Military Links: A Financial Times report alleged Russia covertly helped Iran develop supersonic cruise missile tech, deepening concerns about battlefield capabilities. Diplomacy Signals: Pakistan said the Islamabad MoU remains a viable framework for dialogue despite escalation, while UN officials faced criticism for not raising Iran’s domestic repression concerns during a meeting with President Pezeshkian.