Middle East Oil Shock: Oil prices stayed supported for a second weekly rise as the US-Iran standoff keeps Strait of Hormuz supply risks front and center, with Brent and WTI still elevated despite small daily moves. Iran-China Supply Squeeze: Reuters reports Iranian crude offers to China have fallen sharply as US blockade pressure bites, pushing some Chinese refiners to seek alternatives. Iraq Route Diversification: Iraq says it has secured alternative export routes and is pushing output toward 8–10 million bpd over six years to offset Hormuz disruptions. Ukraine Strikes on Energy Assets: Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces hit a Russian Lukoil refinery and an airfield, underscoring how energy infrastructure remains a war target. Grid & Storage Push: The UK launched a £28m ultra-long duration energy storage challenge for clean power storage beyond 100 hours, while India’s MC²+ Ignite backs ~30 deep-tech energy startups and India’s ISGF/LDES Council signed an MoU to scale long-duration storage. Battery & Clean Tech Industry: LG Energy Solution began production at a US battery plant in Michigan, and EVE Energy reported strong first-half growth tied to energy storage batteries. Markets Watch: Indian Sensex and Nifty ended flat as crude oil and bond-yield worries kept investors cautious. Policy & Land-Use Debate: A new Philippines-focused critique warns agrivoltaics could become a “green land grab” without safeguards for farmers, crops, and grid costs. Local Governance: An Oconomowoc council denied a gas station’s request to add bar operations, limiting on-site liquor sales.