US-Iran Escalation: The US carried out a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran, while Iran’s IRGC reported attacks on US positions in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, as fears grow over Strait of Hormuz shipping. Iraq Security Fallout: CENTCOM said a US service member was killed in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. Militants in Focus: Iraqi forces destroyed six ISIS hideouts in Kirkuk’s Zghaitoun Valley. Kurdistan Oil Disruption: Gulf Keystone suspended Sheikhan operations in the Kurdistan Region, citing the worsening security environment; HKN Energy also paused operations. Currency Watch: The US dollar dipped in Baghdad and Erbil. Diplomacy Push: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Tehran with an Iraq-led proposal to open dialogue between Iran and the US. Anti-Corruption Drive: Iraq detained 35 officials in weekly corruption cases, including major actions tied to defense and Iraqi Airways. Arbaeen Preparations: Iraq stepped up security and services for Arbaeen as millions head to Karbala. Energy Deals: Iraq signed agreements with US firms, including SpaceX Starlink licensing and major oil-sector moves like ConocoPhillips’ 42% stake in bp’s Kirkuk venture.