Iran-US Tensions & Hormuz: Iran’s IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz is “closed” to ships without coordination, rejecting US claims it’s open, as Tehran warns other countries against enforcing new sanctions and signals diplomacy is possible only if pressure “doesn’t work.” Iran Domestic Crackdown: An Iranian mother was sentenced to death for filming a shop fire during January protests, while reporting also highlights regime efforts to avoid stoking economic anger. Israel-Palestinian Violence: Israeli drone strikes in Jenin killed three Palestinians; Israel also faces fresh scrutiny over Gaza’s security and election-linked targeting claims. Lebanon-Israel Talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejects any framework or direct talks with Israel, insisting only the 1701 deal applies and warning Washington isn’t neutral. US Sanctions Pressure on Iran: The US moves to cut Egypt’s Banque Misr UAE from the American system over alleged Iran-linked shadow banking ties. Energy & Markets: The Iran war’s Hormuz shock has pushed Asian energy diversification, while oil prices react to the wider standoff. US-Venezuela Oil Deal: Trump announces a “biggest oil deal in world history,” saying the US will gain majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan reserves to lower US fuel prices. Regional Diplomacy: Russia, China, Iran and others are set to attend a summit in Kyrgyzstan under the Shanghai Cooperation Group. Israel Politics: Likud attacks Itamar Ben-Gvir over refusing an electoral alliance, warning it could hand seats to rivals. Culture & Human Rights: Tehran Art Month opens amid war and sanctions, but with artists detained after allegedly meeting French diplomats. Egypt Archaeology: New tombs and artifacts were unearthed in Egypt’s Bahariya Oasis, spanning Late Period and other eras.