Iraq–Finance & Energy Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met France’s Macron in Paris and held talks with TotalEnergies and Rothschild & Co, pushing energy investment, banking cooperation, and a diversified economy as Baghdad seeks more export routes amid regional disruption. TotalEnergies says it plans to lift Iraq investments to $16bn from $12bn, while France and Iraq also agreed to prepare a Baghdad–Paris conference. Oil Market Shock (Regional Spillover): Saudi Arabia shut its East–West pipeline after drone attacks blamed on strikes launched from Iraq, with repairs expected to take weeks; the move is tightening supply as Houthis expand pressure around Bab al-Mandeb and Hormuz talks get postponed, keeping crude above $100. Banking & Credit: Rothschild’s president discussed improving Iraq’s credit rating and working with foreign banks, as Iraq reviews cooperation with international lenders. Power & Renewables: Iraq is accelerating a 750MW solar project in Samawah (250MW then 500MW) and advancing residential land distribution in Karbala as the first province under a one-million-plot initiative. Private Sector & Trade Links: The Iraq Britain Business Council met Basra business leaders and Iraqi officials on maritime, investment partnerships, and private-sector support. Security & Costs: A Pentagon watchdog report says Iran-linked strikes damaged hundreds of US facilities across the region, while higher fuel prices are squeezing transport-heavy businesses.