Sanctions Pressure on Iran: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian admitted U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade are cutting exports and imports by 25% to 35%, with officials warning inflation and even fuel pricing may need adjustment as trade shrinks. U.S. “Economic D-Day”: The U.S. Treasury is expanding secondary sanctions and targeting Iran-linked lifelines tied to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping—moves critics say hit ordinary Iranians as much as the regime. Armenia’s Economic Path: Armenia’s finance minister says EU accession is “not currently on the agenda” because standards must be aligned first, while also projecting 5%–5.5% growth potential and assessing risks from possible Russian gas price changes. Europe Growth Snapshot: France’s economy was flat in Q2 (0.0%), with exports rebounding and household consumption improving, but external shocks and budget pressures remain. Sweden Rebound: Sweden’s GDP rose 1.6% in Q2 and 3.3% year-on-year, supported by investment, exports and steadier consumer confidence. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: A new series argues critical minerals are shifting power toward countries that control refining, manufacturing and integration—not just mining. Private Credit Risk: A report warns private equity’s “zombie” exit backlog is starting to strain banks and could spill into the wider economy. Energy Costs & Grid Reform: Minnesota is moving toward virtual power plants to better manage distributed resources and curb rising electricity costs. Pakistan Tax Simplification: Pakistan launched the “Asaan Tax Scheme” to simplify retail tax registration and reduce tax friction for shopkeepers via a mobile app and a 1% turnover-based levy.