US-Iran Escalation: The US and Iran exchanged strikes again after a month, with American forces hitting an island in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran responding with attacks on the UAE and Jordan; Trump warned the US would “smack” back, while oil jumped above $90 and markets braced for renewed volatility. UNGA 2026 Focus: Ahead of the UN General Assembly’s key week starting Sept. 22, coverage highlights how Trump’s Iran approach and UN funding pressures could dominate diplomacy, with the Strait of Hormuz disruption still hanging over talks. Israel-Greece Defense Deal: Israel approved a $3.6B multilayer air-defense export deal with Greece, dubbed “Achilles Shield,” aimed at countering drones, rockets and ballistic threats. Gold and Rates Watch: Gold stayed subdued as traders weighed Middle East tension against expectations for US rate moves, with Fed-hike odds rising after hawkish signals. Qatar Banking Resilience: QNB Group renewed ISO 22301 business continuity certification, stressing operational resilience across its international network. Regional Business Pulse: Asia’s factory activity in August held up on AI hardware demand despite Middle East uncertainty, while Middle East smartphone competition is shifting as Samsung, Realme and Apple gain amid weaker entry-tier sales. Energy Prices on the Ground: Fuel-price reports in the US show continued volatility, with some areas seeing diesel and E85 lows even as broader crude-linked pressures persist.