The U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray autonomous aerial refuelling drone has completed its first flight, following a pre-set mission plan for taxi, takeoff, flight and landing. Commands were issued via the MD-5 ground control station, while personnel monitored performance and could stop or adjust the mission. Boeing executive Dan Gillian said the test built on MQ-25A T1 prototype experience. The drone is designed to take over refuelling duties from F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Iranian companies are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to keep overseas remittances and transactions going amid sanctions and financial isolation. Oil remains central to state finances, but digital assets have become a practical payment tool for day-to-day business. Rising regional tensions have coincided with moves in oil and bitcoin prices. Users convert rial deposits into crypto for transfers abroad, while mining has spread on low electricity costs, though it strains the power grid and enforcement.