WS #8395

The US-Iran military confrontation continues to escalate, with multiple sources (BBC, CNBC, AP, Axios, WSJ) reporting fresh US airstrikes targeting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas and shooting down four Iranian attack drones threatening the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the previous window's strikes and directly contradicts any optimism about a ceasefire holding. Trump stated Iran is 'negotiating on fumes' and the US is 'not satisfied' with the deal. Oil prices are rebounding on the renewed disruption fears. Separately, the Bank of Korea held rates at 2.50% for the 8th straight pause, citing oil/fuel costs and Middle East uncertainty keeping inflation risk live. Emerging markets dumped US Treasuries at a record pace in March with $86B in outflows. Multiple GOOGL executives (CEO Pichai, CFO Ashkenazi, President Porat, SVP Schindler, President Walker) reported special transactions (non-P/S), which could indicate insider selling ahead of potential regulatory or earnings news. The CFTC filed to erase a Gemini settlement, a regulatory reversal that could boost crypto sentiment. The dominant narrative is ESCALATING US-Iran conflict, with oil prices likely to continue rising, benefiting energy stocks (XOM, CVX) and pressuring airlines (DAL, UAL) and consumer sectors.