Iran–Hormuz Escalation: Iran says it will declare a “prohibited zone” near the Strait of Hormuz and warn any ship entering it will be sanctioned; the standoff follows US strikes that disabled or destroyed IRGC-linked oil tankers and Iran’s vow of “faster, heavier and more painful” retaliation. Sanctions & FX Pressure: Iran also says it will tackle economic problems created by US sanctions, while reporting claims of reduced oil exports and tighter access to foreign currency. Lebanon Front: Israeli attacks in Nabatiyeh reportedly killed at least four and injured 20, with strikes damaging the Ghandour hospital and Lebanese finance and agriculture facilities, drawing Arab League condemnation. West Bank Settlement Moves: Israel approved expansion of a settler school in Hebron and Netanyahu ordered evacuation of some unauthorized West Bank outposts amid US pressure; US ambassador Mike Huckabee again called settler violence an “act of terror.” MENA FinTech/Markets: MENA startup funding hit $375m in August (up sharply), led by UAE’s Moove; meanwhile, MENA crypto transaction volume reached $350bn with Saudi Arabia leading growth. Energy & Investment Angle: Nigeria used Middle East Energy 2026 in Dubai to pitch Gulf capital for power infrastructure, framing energy security as grids, ports and institutions—not just fuel.