Unemployment & layoffs: Iran’s Hormozgan province is seeing about 20,000 workers jobless as companies cut hours to as little as 10 days a month and some businesses shut down, squeezing households already facing rising living costs. Israeli politics & Arab communities: Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined a plan to “Judaize” the Negev and Galilee, aiming for 1 million more Jews, new communities, farms and hundreds of thousands of housing units—sparking fresh alarm for Arab-Israeli residents. Iraq media regulation: A look at Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission says telecom regulation works, but media oversight and access to information are in deeper trouble amid political paralysis. Iran war & jobs/energy pressure: The six-month US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt shipping and markets, while the US reports progress keeping parts of Strait of Hormuz open—an issue that directly feeds regional employment and costs. Turkiye finance: Turkiye’s carry trade volume hit a record $65.3bn, a sign of shifting capital flows that can affect hiring and business planning. Workplace inclusion: Keolis MHI in Dubai marked Emirati Women’s Day with a rail-sector careers and development push. Health & growth: A study links moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in ages 5–11 to lower height outcomes, adding pressure on pediatric care and family budgets.