Strait of Hormuz Shock: Iran says it has fully shut the Strait of Hormuz to shipping after U.S. airstrikes, a move that threatens major oil flows and could push prices sharply higher, with insurers and shipping already reacting. Iraq Credit Signal: S&P Global affirmed Iraq’s sovereign rating at B-/B and removed the negative watch, but kept a negative outlook tied to Middle East risks and the Strait’s impact on Iraq’s oil-dependent budget and exports. Iraq-US Economic Push: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi plans a Washington visit in July focused on strategic ties and economic cooperation, as he also tries to rein in Iran-linked militias at home. Kurdistan Deadlock: KDP says it has restarted talks with Kurdistan parties to end the regional political stalemate that has delayed government formation and spilled into Iraq’s wider political crisis. Regional Security Link: Jordan’s PM told Iraq’s parliament speaker that Iraq’s security is a pillar of Jordan’s stability, warning about armed groups operating beyond state control. World Bank Jobs Theme: The World Bank argues private-sector growth is key to job creation in fragile states, aiming to support stability where conflict and unemployment reinforce each other. Business & Trade Angle: Syria is studying railway upgrades to restore freight capacity and reconnect with Iraq, Turkey and Jordan—an effort aimed at reviving regional trade once conditions stabilize.