Jordan intercepts five Iranian missiles amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, as Washington launches fresh strikes targeting a site in Iran’s Azerbaijan province. The escalation has heightened regional instability, though Qatar's deployment of its first LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz in three weeks suggests possible normalization of shipping flows. Global energy markets remain sensitive to developments, with ongoing concerns about supply disruptions and price volatility.
Asian tech stocks rose on strong earnings from major firms like Microsoft, but broader market confidence remained subdued due to persistent bond market stress. South Korea introduced tighter controls on leveraged ETFs, reflecting growing regulatory scrutiny. With US 30-year Treasury yields reaching 19-year highs, risk assets faced pressure. The program Horizons Middle East & Africa examines these dynamics, offering expert insights on oil markets, trade routes, and economic resilience across the region.