Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say Hormuz will stay closed until the U.S. meets a list of demands, including compensation for war damage, while Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran is not in direct talks and only exchanges messages via intermediaries. Iran Security Shake-Up: Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appoints former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative and secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, as Iran’s leadership faces mounting regional pressure. Kurdistan Economy Hit: KRG PM Masrour Barzani says trade activity has fallen by more than 70% since the U.S.-Iran war began, blaming Hormuz closure and repeated missile/drone attacks. Iraq Anti-Corruption Drive: Baghdad continues the “Dawn Crackdown,” with reports of arrests including a senior Trade Ministry official and other high-profile figures. Parliament vs. Security Claims: Iraqi lawmakers order an investigation into allegations of prior knowledge of recent U.S.-Saudi strikes on PMF headquarters. Digital Governance: Iraq moves to digitize banking and customs systems, while Baghdad signs a deal with a Turkish firm to modernize water monitoring. Telecom Clash: Korek Telecom rejects Iraq’s communications regulator move to suspend operations, saying the regulator lacks authority over a prior settlement.