Drone Threat in Erbil: At least five drones were shot down over Erbil after blasts near the city and Erbil International Airport, with a sixth reported to have crashed in nearby farmland; explosions were also heard near a U.S.-hosting base in the Kurdish capital. US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. wrapped up its 13th straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting command, drone, communications, coastal surveillance and maritime assets, while Bahrain activated sirens and Iran reported casualties from U.S. attacks. Ceasefire Talks via Baghdad: Iran rejected a New York Times report that a 10-day U.S. ceasefire proposal was conveyed by Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi, while the NYT said Iran refused a temporary deal that would leave Strait of Hormuz control unresolved. Energy Shock & Hormuz Bypass: With Hormuz traffic squeezed and Red Sea risks rising after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers, Gulf states are accelerating pipeline and route plans to reduce dependence on the chokepoint. Iraq-Iran Partnership: Al-Zaidi’s Tehran visit ended with a joint push to deepen strategic cooperation across security, economic, political and cultural areas. Heritage Update: Baghdad’s historic Black Gold Hotel is set for reconstruction after a safety assessment, with plans to preserve its original design. Rights Abroad: A Shia rights group urged Iraq to seek the release of Iraqi citizens detained in Egypt after attending a mourning ceremony in Cairo.