Iran Sanctions Evasion: A Financial Times report says Iran’s central bank is effectively turning a blind eye as traders use bitcoin and crypto channels to settle cross-border payments, bypassing SWIFT and undercutting U.S.-led sanctions. U.S.-Iran War Costs: The Pentagon’s inspector general says the Iran campaign has driven a munitions shortfall and industrial bottlenecks, with Operation Epic Fury costing about $33.4bn and creating “strategic inventory shortfalls.” Red Sea Oil Shock: Houthis hit Saudi targets again as Gulf states postpone Strait of Hormuz talks; Saudi’s East-West pipeline closure after a drone attack is raising fears of tighter global supply and higher prices. Israel-West Bank Rights Alarm: B’Tselem’s report accuses Israel of an “elimination” project in the occupied West Bank, citing violence, displacement, movement limits and economic pressure. Gaza Film Backlash: Over 200 Israeli filmmakers back the Venice-winning documentary NAZA, while Israel’s culture minister threatens citizenship revocation for its directors. Turkey Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens in nationwide LGBTQ raids, with officials framing it as protecting families and children. Human Rights & AI: UN rights chief Volker Türk warns AI development is creating existential risks for basic rights. Migration Pressure: UK data cited by the NCA links reduced small-boat crossings to disrupted smuggling supply chains and lower demand among migrants.