WS #6928
The dominant narrative remains the escalating Iran-US confrontation, which is stable with no new data points. However, a significant new development has emerged: Iran is reportedly planning to take control of undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Fars News and corroborated by other sources. This represents an escalation in the conflict, extending from oil to digital infrastructure. Additionally, Trump has stated he is unbothered by rising gas prices and won't intervene, which could exacerbate inflationary pressures. The Apple-Intel chip deal is a notable corporate development, signaling a shift in the semiconductor supply chain away from TSMC. The Anthropic $1T valuation signal from the previous window is carried forward as an unrefuted high-significance positive for AI-related tickers.
Key developments
- Iran plans to tax/control undersea cables in Strait of Hormuz, escalating digital infrastructure risk
- Trump says unbothered by rising gas prices, won't intervene
- Apple and Intel reach preliminary chip manufacturing deal to reduce TSMC reliance
- Anthropic $1T valuation signal — ongoing, first surfaced 03:00