US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: The US and Iran are reportedly close to a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend the truce and start nuclear talks, but President Donald Trump still has to sign off, while Iran’s team denies the MoU text is finalized. Strait of Hormuz & Jobs/Costs: The proposed terms would keep shipping “unrestricted” and require mine removal, with markets reacting to shifting hopes and renewed strikes—an uncertainty backdrop that can ripple into hiring and household spending across the region. Gaza Control Escalation: Netanyahu says Israel has ordered the IDF to expand control to 70% of Gaza despite the ceasefire, raising fresh risks for displacement and labor-market disruption. MENA Pharma Hiring/Healthcare: Recce Pharmaceuticals signed a non-binding term sheet to license its R327 Topical Gel for diabetic foot infection distribution across Saudi Arabia, GCC, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco—an expansion that could create downstream commercial and regulatory roles. Care Worker Migration: Israel plans to recruit 2,300 Nepali assistant caregivers for long-term care centers, highlighting ongoing cross-border staffing demand. AI & Work: Saudi startup Wittify is rolling out 24/7 AI customer-service agents in Arabic dialects, part of a wider automation push that can reshape call-center jobs. Business Confidence: Philippines firms’ confidence fell in April as Middle East war-driven inflation pressures costs and weakens consumers.