US-Iran Escalation and Hormuz Shock: The US sharply increased strikes on Iran, hitting about 90 targets overnight and aiming to degrade Tehran’s ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US bases in Gulf states; the renewed fighting has shattered a fragile truce and sent shipping and insurance risk back into the spotlight. Israel-US Alignment on Iran: Israeli officials say Israel is willing to join future US strikes if requested, even as they insist they are not planning to be pulled in right now; Israel also shared intelligence with Washington about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump. Maritime and Energy Fallout: Iran says Hormuz transit will follow its own rules, and IRGC officials claim they blocked foreign tankers from a US-backed route; the result is a renewed squeeze on global trade corridors and fuel expectations, with the AA warning lower prices may be short-lived. Tech and Cybersecurity: Tel Aviv University and partners detailed “HalluSquatting,” a method that turns AI hallucinations into a scalable malware delivery path, underscoring the growing security risk for Israeli and global AI tooling. Israeli High-Tech Workplace Award: Natural Intelligence won Dun’s 100 Women Tech Leadership Impact Award for measurable, data-driven gender diversity in management and workforce. Helium Supply Strain: China imposed a temporary helium export ban, threatening inputs for semiconductors, medical devices and aerospace as war-related disruptions already roil supply chains. Local Business and Housing Signals: US existing home sales fell as inventory stayed tight and mortgage rates remained elevated, a reminder that geopolitical stress is feeding into consumer and construction demand. Defense Startup Funding: Skapion raised $36m to build a swarm-scale counter-drone system, reflecting continued Israeli investment in battlefield autonomy.