WS #11940

The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate with new airstrikes and retaliatory missile strikes. CENTCOM confirmed a new wave of strikes hitting Iranian air defenses, coastal radar, missile/drone capabilities, and small boats, using one-way attack sea drones for the first time. Iran launched a major counteroffensive against US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, and reiterated the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Kuwait's army reported engaging hostile aerial targets. Oil prices are expected to surge further, with WTI potentially hitting $80 in July. The narrative is clearly ESCALATING with no counter-signals. Separately, Hyundai workers launched a 3-day strike over bonuses and job security concerns ahead of humanoid robot deployment, which could impact production and supply chains. Ukraine also struck Russian oil refineries and tankers, forcing Russia to suspend shipping in the Sea of Azov, adding to global energy supply strain. The carry-forward from prior awareness includes the ongoing US-Iran escalation and the hawkish Fed repricing. No new data on Apple-OpenAI lawsuit or Google AI chip strategy was found in this window, so those are not carried forward.