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Austrian Envoy to EU Resigns Amid Scandal Over Anonymous Blog

                                                         Thomas Oberreiter Austria’s ambassador to the European Union, Thomas Oberreiter, has stepped down following reports that linked him to a sexually explicit blog written under a pseudonym. The blog, which reportedly featured graphic content blending fantasy and real-life imagery, had been active since at least 2015. The Austrian foreign ministry confirmed Oberreiter’s resignation, stating that he requested dismissal for personal reasons after Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger was made aware of the allegations. The ministry emphasized that its statement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the claims, citing data protection concerns. Media outlets, including Der Standard, identified Oberreiter as the blog’s author, though he has denied the allegations...

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Market Turmoil: Stocks Plunge, Oil Surges After Israel Strikes Iran

Global financial markets are reeling after Israel launched a military strike on Iran, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors rushed to safe-haven assets, sending stock futures tumbling while oil and gold prices surged.  


Stock Market Reaction  

U.S. stock futures dropped sharply in premarket trading, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 531 points (1.2%), the S&P 500 down 1.3%, and the Nasdaq 100 sliding 1.4%. The heightened uncertainty has also pushed Treasury yields lower and Bitcoin prices into decline.  

Oil Prices Surge  

Crude oil prices spiked following the attack, with Brent crude jumping 5% to $72.81 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude surged 5% to $71.45 per barrel. The fear of further escalation in the Middle East, a key oil-producing region, has raised concerns about potential disruptions in global energy supplies.  

Gold and Defense Stocks Rise  

Gold prices climbed 1% to $3,436 per Troy ounce, reaching an all-time high as investors sought refuge in the precious metal. Defense stocks, including Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation, saw gains as markets anticipated increased military spending.  

Geopolitical Fallout 

Israel’s operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership. Iranian officials confirmed that the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was killed in the strikes, while Israel warned that the operation could last “as many days as it takes”. Iran has vowed severe retaliation, raising fears of prolonged instability in the region.  

As markets brace for further volatility, investors are closely watching developments in the Middle East and assessing the broader economic impact of the escalating conflict.

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