Geopolitics & Markets: Israel and Iran said they’re pausing direct strikes after Trump’s appeal, easing oil and bond jitters, but both warned retaliation could resume—keeping investors cautious as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut. Energy & FX: Oil prices slipped as the pause held, while the dollar eased on hopes for de-escalation; the risk premium is still driving volatility across currencies and commodities. Sukuk & Capital Markets: The Arab Energy Fund mandated banks for fixed-income investor calls ahead of a potential $500m, five-year U.S.-dollar benchmark sukuk issuance (SOFR mid-swaps +80 bps guidance). Egypt Capital Markets: The Egyptian Exchange will launch futures contracts on CIB and TMG shares from June 18, aiming to deepen hedging and liquidity. Egypt Policy & Tax: Egypt’s Tax Authority clarified the departure fee won’t increase—LE100 remains unchanged, with past tourism-related reductions causing confusion. Egypt Infrastructure & Trade: AD Ports launched trial operations at Noatum Ports’ Safaga terminal under a 30-year concession, targeting logistics growth for Upper Egypt. UAE Private Markets Fintech: Mashreq partnered with Neovision and Red Lions Capital to enable private markets access via an ADGM-domiciled fund structure using a digital investment platform. Turkey Tax Tech: Turkey is preparing an AI-based “Awareness Platform” to score tax risks and let taxpayers fix issues before audits. Oman Investment: Duqm’s special economic zone secured RO 2.9bn ($7.5bn) in new investments, led by green hydrogen and ammonia expansion.