WS #12556

The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate, with fresh strikes and Houthi naval blockade threats driving oil prices higher. Trump made multiple statements, including that Iran 'wants to desperately meet' and that he will 'take care of business' regarding the Houthi blockade. Iran claimed to have blown up Amazon's main data center in Bahrain, and strikes hit Kuwait. Oil prices jumped on fresh US-Iran strikes and Houthi warnings against ships calling at Saudi ports. The Strait of Hormuz traffic disruption persists, with Polymarket contracts showing active trading on related outcomes. A key counter-signal emerged: Lebanon's Aoun thanked Trump for a framework agreement, and Trump promised to help Lebanon, which could signal de-escalation on one front. Separately, Apple announced a device leasing program with Klarna to spur sales, a bullish signal for AAPL. Micron rose over 10% after Bank of America added it to its best investment ideas list. Tesla added Orlando and Tampa to its robotaxi network ahead of earnings, with options pricing in a ~6% post-earnings swing. Bitcoin cleared $66K as crypto bulls return. The RBA rate hike probability has doubled due to oil-driven fuel prices, a macro headwind for Australia but not directly US-relevant.