Gulf Flashpoint: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again after warning shots at a vessel on an unauthorized route, while the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets; Jordan reported missile impacts and Pakistan urged restraint as diplomacy efforts try to keep shipping and oil flows from getting worse. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar told Iran’s Abbas Araghchi that dialogue and diplomacy are the only path, citing the Islamabad MoU, as Gulf states push for de-escalation and maritime security. Energy Security at Risk: With Hormuz traffic crucial to global oil supply, the renewed closure and strikes are set to intensify market jitters and raise the stakes for shipping insurance and fuel prices. Grid & Transition Moves: Guyana’s GPL trained staff on renewables and battery storage, while India floated draft grid-connection rules expanding standards for storage, HVDC and inverter-based plants. Renewables on the Ground: Karnataka’s Koppal formed a committee to handle farmer complaints tied to solar, wind and transmission projects. Leadership & Energy Legacy: Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at 74, credited with expanding Qatar’s LNG-driven rise and positioning Doha as a regional mediator. Energy-Conflict Spillover: Russia accused Ukraine of attacks on critical energy infrastructure, including pipeline-linked compressor stations and Caspian tankers.