Middle East Energy Risk: The U.S. announced fresh sanctions targeting Iran-linked entities tied to “extorting” ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran also restarted attacks after a brief lull—raising fears for roughly a fifth of global oil and gas flows. US Trade & Energy Leverage: Canada’s PM Mark Carney said he won’t confirm whether energy exports would be used as a bargaining chip in U.S. talks ahead of steep tariff deadlines, warning it could hurt Canada’s “reliable supplier” reputation. Nuclear Expansion in the US: Utah signed an MoU with the U.S. Department of Energy to explore a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus site in Tooele County, joining other finalist states. Grid, Storage & Clean Power Funding: India’s MNRE allows DISCOMs to use Surya Ghar funds for battery storage; Maryland launched a new tranche of programs to cut bills via efficiency, solar permitting support, and EV charging. Energy Infrastructure for Industry: The U.S. DOE backed a $100B data center plan in Paducah, Kentucky, with an on-site energy source aimed at limiting local utility cost impacts. Energy Learning Push (Philippines): The Philippines opened its first interactive energy museum and outlined an Energy Center for Excellence to train and build technical capacity.