Middle East Escalation: Israel launched fresh strikes across Iran after Iran fired missiles and drones toward Gulf states, with the EU urging talks to stop the truce unraveling and analysts warning the conflict could widen. Global Markets: Asia stocks slid sharply as investors weighed higher-rate fears, Middle East risk and a wobble in the AI rally, pushing oil up and rattling currencies and tech-heavy indexes. AI Supply Chain & Taiwan: Reuters reports Chinese military activity near Taiwan as AI chip giants tout the island’s role, underscoring how quickly tensions could disrupt global tech production. Japan Economy: Japan’s Q1 GDP was revised down to 1.8% annualized real growth, with weaker capital spending clouding the outlook. South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Ramaphosa said the “green ID” book will no longer be recognized locally, citing fraud risks and accelerating digital ID plans. Earthquake & Tsunami Risk: Japan issued a tsunami advisory after a 7.8 quake off the southern Philippines, urging coastal evacuations. ASEAN-Diplomacy: Thailand’s PM arrived in Hanoi for an official visit and the ASEAN Future Forum, as regional leaders push integration and cooperation. Energy & Business: South Africa’s energy M&A is being reshaped by load-shedding and grid constraints, while a report says Middle East office fit-outs keep attracting premium demand despite uncertainty.