Syria Energy Deal: Syria’s state-run Syria Petroleum Company (SPC) signed a development contract with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to expand gas production and upgrade infrastructure, aiming to ease chronic gas shortages that are hurting electricity generation and broader economic recovery. Regional Trade & Logistics: AD Ports Group launched integrated logistics linking Khalifa Port (UAE) with Umm Qasr Port (Iraq), boosting container and Ro-Ro cargo flows and strengthening corridors serving Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and GCC markets. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Jordan’s Ministry of Investment opened a PPP request for qualifications for the Jaber Border Crossing redevelopment under a design-build-finance-operate-maintain model, positioning the crossing as a regional trade and logistics gateway with a private partner selection by August 2026. Sanctions & Business Risk: The US Treasury imposed new sanctions on Hezbollah-linked Lebanese officials and a business network, warning of front companies and revenue channels tied to obstructing Lebanon’s peace process—raising compliance and financing risks across the region. Humanitarian Pressure on Returns: Save the Children reported nearly 2 million children have returned to Syria in 18 months, but many face damaged homes, weak services and explosive contamination, complicating recovery and investment planning. Security & Activism: Syrian activist Hassan Akkad was detained in Damascus amid a cybercrime-related legal dispute tied to his online comments, a reminder of the political and regulatory uncertainty affecting civil society and business-adjacent activity.