Geopolitics & Markets: UBS says Iran-war volatility is keeping commodity swings elevated, with gold and base metals supported by debt and supply tightness even as risk premiums fade. Iraq Security & State Integration: Muqtada al-Sadr announced the dissolution of Saraya al-Salam and full attachment to the Iraqi state, with a handover timeline tied to Eid al-Ghadir. AI for Cities: Montréal is rolling out Derq’s AI INSIGHT across 100 intersections to spot safety risks earlier and improve traffic flow. Ancient Science: New research traces how the Euphrates formed from ancient river systems, reshaping the Fertile Crescent story. Energy & Infrastructure: Iraq’s oil economy context returns in coverage alongside regional energy moves, while a separate report highlights a new high-thermal curtain wall system aimed at cutting building energy use. Defense Tech & Data: BBC Verify reports Iran struck at least 20 U.S. military facilities across eight countries using satellite imagery, raising questions about what Washington disclosed. Education & Research Links: Balqa Applied University and Tishk International University plan deeper academic partnership. STEM in Semiconductors: ChipEx 2026 spotlights synthetic biology sensor-chip work with potential for medical and environmental monitoring.