Middle East Escalation: The U.S. struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, the first known U.S. action against Iran since late July, as Iran’s IRGC said people were killed and vowed “punishment.” Regional Spillover: Iran then claimed missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan (Rey Hussein and Al Azraq), while Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles. Diplomacy & Fallout: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over a photo involving a person under drug-related investigation in Bolivia. Palestine Commemoration: Resistance Committees marked the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Abu Ubaidah, framing it as a continuing resistance message. Pacific Security: Taiwan’s Penghu Islands could be among the first targets in a China-Taiwan conflict, with troops and defenses positioned there. Politics & Rights: Indonesia’s constitutional court decriminalized insulting the government and state institutions, a win for free speech advocates. Oceans & Climate: Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr urged stronger ocean protection ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, warning climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution threaten the region.