Energy & Investment (Malaysia–Turkmenistan): Malaysia’s Petronas marked 30 years in Turkmenistan and signed new deals to expand upstream work, including a production sharing agreement for Offshore Blocks 19 and 20 plus a 2D seismic cooperation pact—signals of continued investor confidence tied to political stability. Cuba Economic Overhaul: Cuba’s National Assembly approved 176 reforms to decentralize the economy and open space for private firms, private banking and foreign trade without direct state involvement, as the island seeks growth amid pressure from U.S. sanctions. Middle East Trade Costs (Bahrain): With the Strait of Hormuz reopening, economists expect freight and insurance costs to ease, helping Bahrain and the wider region’s supply chains recover over months. Sanctions & Iran Risk: A potential U.S.-Iran war-ending deal could unlock investment, but may also strengthen the Revolutionary Guards’ business empire—complicating sanctions relief. Markets & Inflation Watch (UK): The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% as energy-price volatility persists; inflation is 2.8% but risks of second-round effects remain. Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency to clear blockades after 50 days of protests tied to fuel subsidy cuts and shortages, escalating an economic and political standoff. Commodities (Malaysia): Bursa Malaysia outlooks point to volatile gold ahead of U.S. core PCE, while crude palm oil is expected to trade in a broad range as energy and demand signals shift. Business & Policy (Oman): Oman reported a Q1 trade surplus and pushed digital business services via its Oman Business Platform, including merger-related options and faster self-service processes. Local Business Pressure (UK/Europe): Norway plans to ban trade with Israeli settlement goods in occupied territories, a move likely to pass parliament and affect cross-border commerce.