WS #5799

Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are escalating sharply, with multiple reports indicating the US Navy has been ordered to engage threats and has boarded a ship carrying Iranian oil. Iran's central bank confirmed toll revenue from the strait, and a deputy speaker threatened to block all ships if US aggression continues. This is a significant escalation from the previous Iran crisis, now directly threatening a key chokepoint for global oil transit. Oil prices are already surging, with Brent crude up ~4% and WTI up ~3% in the data. Separately, Intel reported strong earnings, beating revenue and EPS estimates significantly, driven by AI demand and a new Tesla customer win. The Paramount-Warner merger is advancing with shareholder approval, though regulatory review remains. Other items are noise or low-significance.