Energy & Trade Infrastructure: Lebanon is holding talks with Iraq in Beirut to revive the historic Kirkuk–Tripoli oil pipeline, positioning Lebanon as a storage and re-export hub for Iraqi crude and refined products as Baghdad seeks alternatives to Strait of Hormuz routes. Tourism & Consumer Impact: Cambodia’s Angkor tourism is taking a hit as higher travel costs and fraud concerns deter visitors, with Middle East disruption blamed for reduced flight availability and weaker arrivals. Retail & Consumer Finance (UAE): A Dubai clinic says breast augmentation demand is rising, but stresses that “implant choice” is only part of outcomes—patient anatomy and surgical planning are key. Markets & Cost Pressures: Gold steadied near US$4,400 as traders weigh softer US data against energy volatility tied to US-Iran tensions, while Japan’s slower-than-expected growth points to Middle East-linked supply and raw-material headwinds. Food & Farming Costs: AUSVEG reports Middle East conflict has sharply lifted vegetable growers’ diesel, freight and fertiliser costs, with limited pass-through to checkout prices. Compliance & Finance: Nigeria’s SEC tightens rules, directing capital market operators to cut ties with institutions linked to North Korea and reject transactions involving Iranian financial institutions. AI & Defense Procurement: A Pentagon-related Anthropic purge order was later reversed, highlighting fast-moving AI policy chaos inside national security.