Iran-US Ceasefire Tensions: Iran’s acting defense minister warned Tehran will respond “decisively” to any ceasefire violation, after fresh missile/drone actions tied to US strikes. Strait of Hormuz Leverage: Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping are framed as a bid to preserve control as the US and Gulf allies expand a southern shipping corridor that reduces Tehran’s tolling power. Iran Security Blow: Gunmen in Paveh, Kermanshah killed two IRGC members and wounded two others; a little-known group claimed retaliation for the 2022 crackdown sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. Israel-Lebanon Friction: Israel and Lebanon’s US-brokered security framework faces doubts it can end the war, with analysts warning Hezbollah disarmament is unattainable and could entrench an open-ended Israeli presence. Gaza Pressure: Israeli strikes reportedly killed civilians in Gaza amid continuing ceasefire violations. Afghanistan-Pakistan Fallout: Pakistani strikes overnight killed at least 36 civilians and wounded 160+ in multiple provinces; Afghanistan vowed retaliation. Palestinian Rights at UN: Pakistan rejected Israel’s E1 settlement plan at the UN Security Council, calling it a threat to a future Palestinian state. Turkey-NATO Air Defenses: Türkiye said it’s evaluating SAMP-T and Patriot purchases ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. World Cup Politics: US Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin celebrated Iran’s World Cup exit and Iran’s constrained travel; separate reporting highlights how the USMNT’s knockout history keeps repeating. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Armenia’s PM said it won’t respond to Israel’s genocide recognition, while Turkey and Azerbaijan condemned it as politically motivated.