US-Iran Tensions: The US issued new travel and security alerts across the Middle East as Iran says it has delivered seven conditions for talks to end the war, warning of rapid escalation and possible flight cancellations/airspace closures. Saudi-Houthi Pressure: Houthis claimed attacks on “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, while Saudi issued rare air-raid alerts as the Red Sea and regional shipping risks keep rising. Iraq’s Domestic Priorities: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered Finance funding for medicines and supplies for children with diabetes, underscoring continued pressure on Iraq’s public health system. Sovereignty Milestone: Iraq says the US has begun withdrawing remaining troops from Iraqi Kurdistan, with Sept. 30 set as the “final and irreversible” end of the coalition mission. Economy & Jobs: A report highlights Iraq’s job drought for graduates, with most public spending tied to salaries and limited room to absorb hundreds of thousands of new entrants. Kurdistan Governance: KDP and PUK efforts to form a new Kurdistan Region government continue, as Barzani seeks a larger KRI budget share for 2027. Regional Energy Shock: Analysis and reporting link attacks across Iraq/Yemen/Saudi infrastructure to oil-price spikes and renewed pressure on global chokepoints like Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.