Middle East Energy Shock: The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as U.S. forces intercepted Iranian drones and struck coastal radar sites, while the U.S. energy secretary again tied lower U.S. pump prices to a resolution with Iran to reopen oil flows. Coal Push in the U.S.: President Trump announced nearly $700M for coal power infrastructure via the Defense Production Act, aiming to modernize and restart plants and cut energy costs—while blaming high prices partly on California’s environmental rules. EU LNG Slide: A new analysis says EU LNG imports are down, with the UK seeing a sharper drop, signaling easing demand even as geopolitical risks persist. India Energy Security Bet: India’s Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore coal gasification plan to reduce import dependence, though economics and environmental trade-offs loom. Grid + Clean Power Policy: Maryland signed an energy affordability bill, but advocates warn efficiency cuts could raise long-term costs. Data Center Power Strain: Google and Intersect unveiled a “power-first” Texas Panhandle project pairing a data center with dedicated generation, as lawmakers push back on data centers driving up consumer bills. Regional Hydropower Upgrade: Zambia-Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association to benchmark projects and boost investor confidence. Energy Transition Roadmaps: Malaysia is studying an energy regulatory sandbox for market liberalisation, while St. Kitts and Nevis launched a renewable transition roadmap workshop supported by the EU and UN partners.