WS #12396

The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate with the US launching an eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting IRGC forces and infrastructure in Hormozgan province, Qeshm Island, and Khuzestan. Iran retaliated by striking a Kuwait oil facility and a US base in Jordan, killing two US service members. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with oil prices surging: Brent crude at $88.10/bbl, up ~5% on Friday. This escalation is driving energy stocks higher and pressuring airlines and consumer sectors. The US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory for Americans, citing potential for unforeseen escalation. The US military toll in the Iran war has risen to 16 killed and over 430 wounded. Separately, Apple overtook Nvidia to become the world's most valuable company at $4.88 trillion, as investors rotate from AI hardware to ecosystem monetization. The dominant theme is US-Iran escalation, which is ESCALATING.