Crypto & Sanctions Evasion: A Financial Times report says Iran’s central bank is quietly tolerating bitcoin use to settle cross-border payments as SWIFT access stays blocked, with traders moving money via domestic exchanges while the rial weakens. Maritime Flashpoint: Iran’s IRGC says it destroyed a U.S. Saildrone Explorer near the Strait of Hormuz, adding to a fast-escalating drone-and-ship confrontation that’s already pushing energy risk higher. BRICS Finance Push: Iran says BRICS leaders agreed to its entry into the New Development Bank, with membership applications to be fast-tracked after summit talks in India. Oil Prices, Inflation Pressure: U.S. politics is getting louder as fuel costs soar; AAA puts regular petrol at $4.32 a gallon and diesel at a record $6.23, while markets price a Fed hike and yields jump. Hormuz Shipping Rules: Iran and Oman reportedly agreed on specific entry/exit routes for vessels, but Gulf talks were postponed, keeping commercial passage uncertain. Regional Energy Shock: Yemen’s Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure are described as a growing global-economy cost driver, with Saudi pipeline outages threatening supply flows. U.S. Legal Move: The U.S. seeks forfeiture of $61m in crypto tied to alleged Iranian oil proceeds laundered through Binance. Diplomacy Ahead: Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi is set to visit China for talks with Wang Yi amid wider Middle East escalation.