WS #6946

Iran has formally responded to the US peace proposal via Pakistani mediators, as reported by Iranian state media, BBC, and Guardian. This is a high-signal development, though no details have been released. Simultaneously, the ceasefire is fraying: drone strikes/incursions were reported in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq, including an attack on a British cargo ship off Qatar. Trump stated military operations in Iran are ongoing and that three layers of Iranian leadership have been eliminated. Netanyahu stated the war continues over nuclear and proxy concerns. Pimco warned the Iran war could prompt the Fed to raise rates, not cut. Separately, Trump Media reported a $406M net loss for Q1 2026, putting pressure on DJT. Microsoft's African data center falters on payment demands. Lime (Neutron Holdings) filed for IPO on Nasdaq. The dominant narrative is ESCALATING: ceasefire strain and continued hostilities, with Iran's response providing a potential diplomatic off-ramp but no details yet. The Pimco warning on rates is a key counter-signal to any dovish Fed expectations.