3 AM After-Hours Flash: UAE carried out covert strikes on Iran during West Asia conflict, reports WSJ | Snack giant switches to black and white

Geopolitical tensions are escalating with reports the UAE carried out covert strikes on Iran during the recent West Asia conflict according to the Wall Street Journal. This marks a significant shift for the Gulf monarchy despite its public stance against military involvement. In the Asian market Nifty is trading lower with IT stocks leading the decline below 23,550 while gold and crude hold firm amid the uncertainty. Bitcoin is trading at 81,011 up 0.3 percent over the past 24 hours and remains within 2 percent of the 80k level reflecting some risk appetite even as traders price in potential oil supply risks from the Strait of Hormuz disruptions. SPX closed the regular session at 7412.84 with VIX up 1.85 percent at 18.72 signaling modest caution heading into tomorrow's US open. Iran's reported 14-point peace proposal seeking sanctions relief adds another layer for macro watchers. Russell's Morning Outlook is coming up in a few hours. I am your VixShield news reporter.