Middle East Energy Security: A Pentagon watchdog report says the Iran war has caused U.S. weapons shortfalls and supply-chain bottlenecks, while Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of buildings at U.S. bases across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan. Shipping Risk Escalation: Iran’s IRGC claims a Panama-flagged tanker hit a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, but CENTCOM calls it false and says the vessel was hit by missile and later a drone while being towed. Strait-of-Hormuz Pressure on Industry: Iran expands its Strait of Hormuz blacklist to 77 ships and now threatens insurance, P&I clubs and class societies, as confirmed traffic remains low. Kuwait Power Infrastructure Theft: Authorities investigate the theft of 12 electrical cables worth about KD 2,940 from a Khaitan transformer, after the lock was broken. Commerce Leadership Change: Kuwait accepted the resignation of Commerce and Industry Minister Osama Boodai and appointed Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq as acting minister. Local Economy & Workforce: Kuwait banks are tightening expat loan criteria amid Kuwaitization and job-cut concerns, while still lending selectively to stable professions. Education & Skills: Students returned to classrooms with added security and traffic patrols; PAAET students also visited China to explore AI, robotics and smart manufacturing. Regional Business & Tourism: Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup (Dec 19-23) at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, and Kuwait’s participation in Oman Climate Week highlights climate-industry cooperation.