Middle East Energy Shock: UN warns of escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz as attacks threaten shipping and energy infrastructure, while Saudi Arabia shuts a key East-West pipeline after drone strikes from Iraq—pushing oil above $100 and raising fuel-price/inflation fears. Yemen Humanitarian Access: The UN says Houthis seized a UN aid facility in Mokha, leaving no UN personnel there and demanding safe, unimpeded humanitarian access. UN Arms Control (Sudan): UN Security Council unanimously extends Sudan’s Darfur arms embargo briefly while talks continue over a possible countrywide expansion. AI Safety & Governance (UK): UK Cabinet Office rejects calls for an AI “kill switch,” saying the state can’t simply turn models off and urging safer development. AI Abuse Against Women (Bangladesh): Bangladesh backs a UN-linked international framework to define and tackle AI-driven violence, including deepfakes and online harassment. Climate & Public Trust: UN climate officials warn political division worsens the climate “economic security emergency,” while a 9/11 air-quality document release reignites scrutiny of government claims. Education Policy (Qatar/UNESCO): Qatar joins UNESCO efforts to create a Global Education Group giving teachers a stronger voice in AI-era education policy. Tariff Refunds (US): US tariff refunds appear to be winding down, with August showing net positive receipts for the first time since April.