WS #12971

The dominant signal in this window is a major escalation in the US-Iran conflict, with multiple corroborating sources reporting: Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on US forces in Jordan, and US-Saudi forces conducted joint airstrikes on Iran-aligned targets in Iraq, killing at least 20. This follows Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities and Iran's rejection of Oman's Hormuz management proposal, insisting on Iranian control. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with oil prices surging (WTI up, Canadian dollar strengthening). Separately, the US Senate advanced a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill (86-12), which could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries like India for buying Russian oil. South Korea's KOSPI plunged 11% amid a deepening chip selloff, with SK Hynix perpetual contract flipping Bitcoin in 24h volume on Hyperliquid. The Fed decision looms, with markets expecting a hold. The geopolitical narrative is ESCALATING sharply (US-Iran strikes, Hormuz tensions), while the tech selloff is DEEPENING (KOSPI crash, chip rout).