US-Iran Oil Shock Watch: Malaysia says it will closely monitor US-Iran tensions after renewed hostilities lifted crude near a month high, with Hormuz disruption again in focus. Power & Water Security: Kuwait’s electricity minister inspected a damaged power and desalination plant after an attack, saying the ministry is operating at full capacity while repairs continue. Defense-for-Energy Talks: Pakistan and Kuwait are discussing an expanded defense agreement linked to energy cooperation, including bigger fuel reserves and storage. Solar Push in the Middle East: US firms began feasibility work for a major solar project in Iraq under a partnership with KAR Group, aiming to diversify away from Iranian gas imports. Geothermal Expansion: UMass Dartmouth won a $1.1m state grant to expand its geothermal heating/cooling system, cutting emissions and energy use across more campus buildings. Oil Market Signals: Oil prices climbed on Hormuz disruption, but analysts say the market is still waiting for stronger signs of tightening inventories before pushing toward $90. Renewables Under Pressure: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multi-state bid to unfreeze stalled DoD wind project reviews. Wind Curtailment & Energy Poverty: Ireland faces about €1.65m average daily waste of surplus wind power due to lack of a national policy and storage, leaving 550,000 households in energy poverty. Industrial Rooftop Solar: Egypt’s “Industry Sun” plans rooftop solar on 7,000 factories, targeting 1,000 MW first-phase to cut grid strain and energy costs. Wind Permitting Freeze: The Pentagon’s drone-linked permitting pause hit 155 wind projects (44GW) across 24 states, with developers warning of $2bn in added costs.