Middle East Peace & Jobs: The US-Iran ceasefire framework is edging toward a formal signing, with reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the US naval blockade at the center—though lawmakers still want details and Israel’s Lebanon posture adds uncertainty, keeping hiring plans and cost forecasts cautious across the region. Energy & Cost Pressure: Markets are bracing for disruption as Iran threatens/implements Strait of Hormuz shutdowns in retaliation, while analysts warn oil flow won’t instantly return even if the deal holds—meaning logistics, insurance, and fuel-linked expenses remain a live issue for employers. Iraq Employment Signal: Iraq’s World Cup return under coach Graham Arnold highlights a rare spotlight on national talent pipelines and coaching careers, with Arnold’s Baghdad-based rebuild story resonating beyond sport. Egypt FDI & Hiring: Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) signed a $20m textile project with China’s Zhejiang Hongda, targeting about 500 direct jobs and export-led production. Corporate Moves (EMEA): Vertiv completed its ThermoKey acquisition to expand heat-rejection capacity for AI data centres across Europe, Middle East and Africa—an indirect jobs boost for engineering and manufacturing supply chains. Workforce Watch: Gulf Marine Services says evacuated vessels have returned to hire under its contract, reaffirming 2026 profit guidance after Iran-war disruption. Business/HR Angle: Dangote Refinery cut petrol gantry price by N75 to N1,175 per litre, citing Middle East de-escalation—good news for transport and operating-cost planning.