Armed-Conflict Pulse: A new PRIO study says state-based armed conflicts hit 65 in 2025—the highest since WWII—driven by Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, with Israel linked to multiple fronts across the region. Terror Threat Shift: Europe’s security picture is moving toward harder-to-detect lone-actor violence and rapidly radicalized individuals, not just big-name extremist networks. Middle East Diplomacy: US-Iran talks appear close to a deal, with mediators (Pakistan and Qatar) pushing wording for an agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire. Regional Security & Iraq: Iraq signals a gradual foreign-policy shift by condemning Iranian missile strikes on Arab states and calling for tighter Baghdad-Damascus coordination. Syria Tech & Science: Researchers report new clues to how the Euphrates formed, tracing its origin to tectonic merging of older river systems—key for understanding Syria’s ancient landscape. Health Tech: UTMB researchers report an mRNA vaccine approach that fully protects in a Syrian hamster model against Andes virus, highlighting vaccine momentum after a ship outbreak. Infrastructure & Trade: Turkey and Saudi Arabia advance a modernized railway corridor concept that revives the Hejaz Railway idea and could reshape regional logistics routes.