Iran Pressure Campaign: US President Trump announced a “most crushing economic operation” against Iran, warning any country offering financial lifelines could face “tremendous economic consequences,” including moves targeting oil smuggling, cash transfers and front companies; Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi called it “economic terrorism” and a diversion from US debt woes. Bangladesh Politics: Bangladesh’s parliament begins voting to pick a new ceremonial president on Thursday, with BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir the frontrunner in the first contested race since 1991. Malaysia Trade & Tax: Malaysia reported July trade up 37.3% and said it won’t treat GST as a broad-based tax, while reviewing SST implementation; it also plans tighter scrutiny of new investment applicants to ensure jobs and real economic gains. Regional Trade Integration: Malaysia set up an RCEP Business Advisory Council network to boost private-sector use of the deal, citing low current utilisation. Business & Markets: NSE is seeking SEBI approval for a “permitted to trade” BSE listing, while Apple and OpenAI continue a legal fight over alleged trade secrets. Local Economy & Safety: GenSan, Philippines launched “Operation Pickleball Hunt” to check permits for court operators; Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur saw a deadly LPG-linked market fire that destroyed multiple stalls.