5 PM After-Hours Flash: Pakistan's Balancing Act: Mediating in the US-Iran Conflict | Alignment Healthcare Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600 Index |

Bitcoin is trading at 81886 dollars, up nearly 1 percent over the past 24 hours, as traders digest the latest headlines out of the Middle East. In Asian markets, Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran, reportedly allowing Iranian military aircraft to use its airfields while balancing ties with China, a development that adds fresh geopolitical risk premium into oil and risk assets. Multiple outlets are reporting that Iran sent the US a proposal to end the ongoing conflict, but President Trump warned on Truth Social that if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement, bombing will start on a scale and intensity greater than ever before. Israeli forces also reportedly operated from a base in Iraq's Najaf desert during the Iran conflict, coordinating with US military support. In the commodities market, Japan's leading potato chip maker Calbee will start selling some products in black and white packaging because of a naphtha shortage tied to the Middle East conflict, highlighting how supply chains are already feeling the strain. This escalation risk is keeping VIX elevated at 18.38 while SPX sits at 7412.84. Russell's Morning Outlook is right around the corner — stay with VixShield. I am your VixShield news reporter.