WS #11696

The US-Iran conflict has escalated sharply, with President Trump declaring the ceasefire 'over' and launching new strikes on Iran after Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory missile strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait. Oil prices surged over 7% (Brent to ~$79.53, WTI to ~$73.52) as supply disruption fears return. US equities fell (Dow -1.09%, S&P 500 -0.28%) while the Nasdaq eked out a +0.20% gain on semiconductor buying. The Fed minutes showed a divided committee, with inflation concerns persisting due to energy prices. Separately, China plans to allow AI firms to buy limited Nvidia H200 chips, boosting NVDA +3.7%. Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race is a political development but has limited direct market impact.