Maritime Security & Shipping: Iran-linked attacks and Houthi pressure are tightening the screws on Gulf trade routes, with the UN Security Council set for an emergency session on Bab al-Mandab after Houthi advances that could raise risks for commercial shipping. Bahrain’s Strategic Exposure: A Pentagon watchdog report says Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings at US bases across Bahrain and other Gulf states, while the US is also weighing whether to rebuild or scale back its Middle East footprint after damage to its Bahrain logistics hub. Energy Market Shock: With Strait of Hormuz traffic disrupted and Saudi pipeline disruptions adding strain, oil prices jumped again and the IEA warned demand could keep sliding if traffic doesn’t normalize. Defense Supply Chain Pressure: US oversight reports point to munitions shortfalls and defense-industry bottlenecks after the Iran campaign, raising concerns about readiness for future conflicts. Digital Infrastructure Hit: AWS says it cannot restore access to its Bahrain network and one UAE zone after Iranian attacks, forcing some customers to migrate. Local Business & Trade: Bahrain-backed fintech Tarabut secured $50m to deepen embedded finance and SME lending in Saudi Arabia, while Bahrain also hosted an Indonesia trade information night ahead of Trade Expo Indonesia 2026. Tourism & Consumer Pulse: Bahrain’s tourism push continues at Arabian Travel Market, and Batelco launched an iPhone 18 “18K Challenge” fitness activation to drive engagement across the kingdom.