WS #6785

The Middle East conflict is ESCALATING sharply, with multiple new developments in the last 30 minutes. Iran has seized the Barbados-flagged oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, and the U.S. Navy has reportedly attacked an Iranian commercial ship near the Strait of Hormuz, causing casualties. The U.S. is also blocking over 70 tankers from Iranian ports. These events dramatically increase the risk of a broader conflict and further disruption to oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rubio stated the U.S. expects a response from Iran on the peace deal 'today,' but Iran's foreign minister accused the U.S. of reckless military adventures, suggesting diplomatic progress is fragile. The UAE reported three people injured by Iranian drones, widening the conflict's geographic scope. On the corporate front, Akamai surged 25% premarket on a 'landmark' $1.8 billion AI cloud deal, while Innodata soared 43% on strong AI-driven earnings. Micron hit record highs on 'memflation' and AI demand. Forward Air plunged 42.8% on weak Q1 results. The UK local elections saw the SNP win Shetland from the LibDems and hold Aberdeen Central, while the Green Party won Hackney Mayor, continuing political shifts. Oil markets face renewed supply threats from the Hormuz blockade and Iranian tanker seizure, with crack spreads surging. The narrative arc is ESCALATING for the Middle East conflict, with direct naval clashes and tanker seizures adding to the previous missile/drone attacks.