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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Israel Strikes Iran in Narrow Attack Amid Escalation Fears

Israel has carried out a retaliatory strike against Iran, according to US officials. The Israeli military operation comes after Iran’s massive drone and missile attack on Israeli territory. Tensions in the region remain high, with both countries engaging in a series of retaliatory strikes.

Here’s what we know so far:

  1. Military Operation: Israel warned the Biden administration that a strike was imminent within the next 24 to 48 hours. The Israelis assured their US counterparts that Iran’s nuclear facilities would not be targeted.

  2. Explosions Near Isfahan: Iranian state media reported explosions near a major airbase close to the city of Isfahan. Air defense batteries were activated in response. Isfahan is home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program, including the underground Natanz enrichment site. State television described all sites in the area as “fully safe” despite the reported explosions.

  3. Suspension of Flights: Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai diverted flights around western Iran, suggesting airspace closures. Iran later announced the suspension of flights over some cities.

  4. Escalation Context: Iran previously launched hundreds of drones and cruise missiles toward Israel in response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus. Iran’s foreign minister warned that if Israel retaliates, Tehran’s response would be “decisive, definitive, and regretful” for Israel.

As tensions persist, the situation remains fluid, and world leaders are closely monitoring developments in the region. The delicate balance between retaliation and de-escalation hangs in the balance.



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