📑 Executive Intelligence Brief
**Trump Eyes Iran War Exit Soon**
Asian stocks joined a global rally today as optimism grows that the war in Iran could soon come to an end. President Trump signaled that the US aims to end the conflict within two to three weeks, sparking a massive rally on Wall Street. The S&P 500 surged 2.8% in the previous US session, while crude oil prices fell. The sentiment has continued into the Asian session, with the MSCI Asia index up more than 4% in a rebound from its worst month since 2008.
The US president's comments suggest that the US has largely accomplished its military goals in the region, including regime change. "I have one goal, they will have no nuclear weapon, and that has been attained," Trump said. The president also indicated that a deal with Iran might not be necessary for the war to end, leaving it up to other nations to resolve the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE is reportedly lobbying for a military coalition to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a critical waterway for oil exports. The country has received the lion's share of projectiles launched from Iran, with over 60 projectiles launched yesterday alone. The UAE has likened the situation to "economic terrorism" and is pushing for action to restrain Iran and ensure the free flow of energy products through the strait.
Meanwhile, OpenAI's valuation has topped $850 billion following its largest funding round on record. The company plans to use the funds to acquire more chips, data centers, and talent. OpenAI has received investments from Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank, among others, and is looking to broaden its ecosystem and reach more customers.
In other news, the ECB President Christine Lagarde has warned that the effects of the Iran war will be felt for a long time, as much of the region's infrastructure has been destroyed. The Greek market is marking a milestone in its recovery from the debt crisis, with the country expected to be upgraded to developed market status.
The US president will attend a Supreme Court hearing later today to argue his case for ending birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. The president is trying to block guaranteed US citizenship for these children, arguing that it was only intended for the children of freed slaves.
As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, investors are watching closely for any signs of a resolution to the conflict. The oil market has been particularly volatile, with prices swinging wildly in response to developments in the region. With the US president suggesting that the war could be over in a few weeks, oil prices have fallen, but they remain higher than they were before the conflict began. The spread between Brent and WTI crude has narrowed, and both are higher today as investors weigh the implications of a potential US withdrawal from the region.