WS #7619

The dominant theme in this window is a potential de-escalation in the Iran crisis, with multiple sources reporting that the US has proposed a temporary OFAC sanctions waiver on Iranian oil while negotiations continue. This directly counters the previous narrative of imminent military action and escalating oil prices. Tasnim news agency (via Alpaca and a Bluesky post) reports the US has accepted lifting oil sanctions in its new text, proposing a temporary waiver until a final agreement. This is corroborated by a Bluesky post summarizing notable pre-market headlines. The development is a significant counter-signal to the prevailing bearish thesis on risk assets and bullish thesis on oil. Separately, NextEra Energy's $66.8B acquisition of Dominion Energy (confirmed by Bloomberg and Investing.com) is a major utility sector consolidation play. Cognizant announced a $2B buyback increase. Berkshire Hathaway exited its UnitedHealth stake, sending UNH down 5.3% premarket. Bitcoin Depot filed for bankruptcy, taking 9,000 ATMs offline. Publicis acquired LiveRamp for $2.5B, sending RAMP up 27% premarket. The global bond selloff is easing slightly, with S&P 500 futures down 0.4% as yields stabilize. The Iran de-escalation signal is the most impactful development, likely to weigh on oil prices and support equities in the near term.