Middle East Energy & Shipping: The US carried out fresh defensive strikes on Iran near Bandar Abbas, shooting down four one-way drones and hitting a ground control station, after Trump said Iran was “negotiating on fumes” and warned he may “finish the job,” while Iran’s IRGC retaliated by targeting a US airbase in Kuwait; the flare-up adds pressure to talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global oil flows. Lebanon Security & Displacement: Israel issued its largest evacuation order since the April ceasefire, urging residents north of the Zahrani River and calling the area a “combat zone,” as strikes continued across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa. Transport Connectivity: After a one-year delay, the Jounieh–Cyprus Cedar Waves ferry is set to start in June (inaugural trip now June 19), restoring a regular passenger link after nearly two decades. Labour Market Impact: The ILO warned the Iran-linked crisis is spreading into global jobs and incomes via fuel, supply chains, aviation, tourism, remittances, and higher costs. Local Business/Regulation: Lebanon Junction’s city council moved road funding forward and introduced updates to food-truck business license fees. Culture & Media: Lebanese comedian John Achkar’s Arabic stand-up special “Tryin’” premiered on Shahid, marking a major mainstream platform moment for regional comedy.