Gaza Disarmament Roadmap: Trump’s plan for phased Hamas disarmament under international supervision and a transitional Gaza administration faces a core standoff—Israel wants full disarmament before withdrawal, while Hamas ties any weapons handover to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli pullout. US-Iran Escalation: Fresh US strikes on Iran are reportedly ordered to pressure Tehran back to talks, even as Iran warns it will respond across the region, raising fears of wider conflict. South Africa Governance & Delivery: Government roadshows target public bodies with the biggest declines in EPWP work opportunities, while officials also push clean-air community dialogue in the Highveld and continue repatriation efforts for liberation heroes’ remains from Angola. Bangladesh Party Politics: BNP’s standing committee meets to decide its presidential nominee, with Tarique Rahman expected to play a decisive role. India Regional Tensions: Tamil Nadu DMK chief Stalin urges an all-party meeting on Cauvery after Karnataka’s moves intensify the dispute. South Asia Security Diplomacy: India’s envoy Kwatra meets a senior US State Department official to advance bilateral ties, while US envoy Sergio Gor meets Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman on trade and regional cooperation. Democracy Under Strain: Moldova highlights EU integration gains alongside major justice and corruption cases, while Ghana’s Supreme Court ruling sparks fears of loopholes for internal party corruption. Local Elections Watch: South Africa’s EFF faces a major test in 2026 local polls as it tries to recover amid new political competition.