US-Iran Ceasefire Uncertainty: Trump deferred a final call on a draft Iran deal after a tentative MoU to extend the truce for 60 days and start nuclear talks—while US and Iranian officials still disagree on key terms, including nuclear limits and Strait of Hormuz conditions. Lebanon Front Escalation: As negotiations wobble, Israeli strikes and artillery shelling intensified across southern Lebanon, with evacuation warnings issued to multiple towns and reports of casualties including medical personnel. Hezbollah Response: Hezbollah claimed dozens of operations against Israeli positions and equipment, including missile and drone attacks reaching deep into occupied areas, as both sides trade accusations of ceasefire violations. US-Israel Military Integration Push: A US Congress proposal would expand US-Israel defense technology cooperation, including joint R&D and “network integration,” raising alarms about deeper military-industrial entanglement. AI Ethics Meets Faith: The Vatican announced an in-house study group and a new encyclical focused on risks of AI in warfare, tying today’s AI debate to Catholic social teaching. Lebanon-Linked Health Research: A Lebanon-and-Italy systematic review found that structured lifestyle programs that raise daily steps (to about 8,454) improved weight loss outcomes in overweight and obese participants. Regional Tech & Security: Cyprus-based Swarmly Aero highlighted drone systems for deterrence and surveillance, reflecting how small states are investing in unmanned platforms.