Middle East Energy Shock: Oil prices pushed back above $100 as the US-Iran conflict deepened and shipping risks rose, with Strait of Hormuz transits steady at three for three days while Bab el-Mandeb traffic also shifted amid Red Sea disruption. Grid Reliability vs Net Zero: A leaked UK report says the national grid operator is “flying blind” on forecasting under the renewables push, warning of higher bills and a greater blackout risk. AI Power Politics: Meta exited a renewable energy initiative as AI-driven data centers reshape clean-energy plans, while US President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” to stop AI growth from raising household electricity costs. Clean Energy Grant Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants based on whether states voted Democratic, triggering fresh legal and political backlash. India Supply Push: India began drilling its first appraisal well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin to boost domestic energy security, while Adani Energy Solutions won an ₹8,500 crore transmission project for Vizag’s green hydrogen and data-center load. Africa Methane Focus: A new report says methane cuts are achievable across key African and Latin American oil and gas producers using existing tools, but results depend on infrastructure, rules, and financing. Crypto Load Debate: Georgia opposition politician Roman Gotsiridze renewed calls to ban crypto mining in free industrial zones, arguing it consumes about 6% of electricity and strains the grid.