US-Iran Economic Pressure: Trump escalated “economic D-Day” against Iran, warning any country that lets banks, businesses, airports or government entities provide “any type of lifeline” could face “tremendous” consequences, with targets including oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies—while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi called it “failed policies” meant to distract from US debt and interest costs. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: Oil jumped to a three-week high as shipping risk and UAE trade/financial moves tightened supply; RBC Capital Markets said volatility is driving prices as Iran demands deal-linked sanctions relief before allowing more Hormuz passage. UAE Embargo Hits Iran: Reports say the UAE indefinitely halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran after missile-related claims, raising pressure on Iran’s import flows. Iran’s Cash Crunch: Iran’s central bank governor said oil exports have fallen to zero and frozen reserves remain inaccessible, while Iran’s BRICS push urged payment-system links to reduce dependence on outside networks. Payments/Fintech Angle: World Liberty Financial’s crypto firm got preliminary OCC approval to operate a trust bank, spotlighting how crypto firms are moving into regulated banking. Iraq Power Finance: Iraq and the World Bank discussed priorities for a new electricity-sector loan to ease grid bottlenecks and boost efficiency, including Gulf interconnection links. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Qatar renewed calls to return to the US-Iran MoU to restart negotiations, while Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders as a threat to a two-state path.