KPC Deal Boosts Energy Finance: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation says its Kuwait Oil Company signed a $16bn lease-and-leaseback for its full domestic and export pipeline network, with a JV led by Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR; KOC keeps ownership and operational control while the JV leases usage rights for 20.5 years under a volume-based tariff. Regional Security Shockwaves: Iran’s military and IRGC claimed strikes on US bases and assets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan as the US continued missile and drone attacks tied to the Strait of Hormuz standoff; Trump reiterated “major military punishment” and said talks remain open but the US is “locked and loaded.” Shipping and Air-Routes Disrupted: The US disabled another merchant vessel trying to breach its blockade near Iran, while multiple airlines reported cancellations and advisories affecting Kuwait and nearby hubs amid the widening Middle East conflict. Diplomacy and Messaging: Iran’s foreign ministry accused the EU of hypocrisy over human-rights claims while supporting what it called military support for attacks; US embassies across the region issued caution warnings to Americans, including in Kuwait. Gulf Education Cooperation: A GCC education meeting in Kuwait brought together Gulf education bodies and centers, focusing on preparing systems for future transformations driven by technology and AI.