Defense Tech & Leadership: North Korea dismissed its defense minister in a “structural reorganization,” while KCNA highlighted new defense technologies and honors for scientists. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Iran-linked hackers reportedly knocked a UK power plant offline for days; a former US cyber chief warned more attacks will target internet-exposed water and other weakly protected systems. Energy Economics: Reports say the US-Iran conflict has pushed global fossil-fuel importers to pay about $330B extra for oil, fuel, and LNG since March, reshaping energy costs and renewables demand. Sanctions & Trade Tech: The US “Operation Economic Outcast” targets Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, while analysts argue China’s role is pivotal to whether the squeeze can work. Iran Power Innovation: Iran connected a new 290MW steam unit to a combined-cycle plant in Kermanshah, boosting output by reusing turbine exhaust heat. Renewables Storage Research: Iranian researchers developed dual-purpose electrode materials for microbial fuel cells and supercapacitors, aiming to improve renewable energy storage. Public Policy: Iran’s leadership called for economic resilience, domestic production, and reduced dollar reliance while banning actions that harm social cohesion.