Iran Foodservice Crackdown: Tehran cafés are being sealed after Friday-prayer calls to tighten enforcement of compulsory hijab rules, with owners saying they’re targeted as “odd ones out,” including visits by plainclothes men ahead of major religious events. Iraq F&B Expansion: PepsiCo signs new agreements with Iraqi partners to boost beverage production capacity (aiming above 250m cases/year) and to scale food output via improved irrigation and farming practices. UAE Tourism Push: Dubai launches “A Dubai Invite,” offering residents benefit packages worth over £600 to bring overseas visitors, including hotel, restaurant and attraction deals—aimed at reviving hospitality demand amid regional conflict. Food Safety Alert (US): A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak tied to chopped iceberg lettuce from Mexico has sickened 1,644 people across five states, prompting supplier removals and restaurant sourcing changes. Trade & Agri Links (Morocco–Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan eyes higher grain exports to Morocco after shipments reached 161,800 mt, positioning Morocco as a logistics hub for wider African market access. Consumer Demand (EU Exports): A survey finds “quality” is the top driver for EU food and drink purchases in third countries, with weekly buyers highest in the UAE and the UK.