Panda Traders

– Iran’s state TV and radio just went off the air after their broadcasting building was struck.
– Massive explosions rocked central Tehran near the intelligence ministry.
– Netanyahu says strikes on Iran “will increase even more in the coming days.”
– Iran’s IRGC just announced the “most ferocious offensive operation” in the history of Iran’s armed forces is about to begin against Israel and US bases.
– 8 k*lled near Jerusalem after Iranian missiles hit Beit Shemesh. A building collapsed.
– Tehran residents are fleeing the capital. Authorities converted a major highway to one-way northbound to handle the traffic.
– Iran’s internet has been down for over 24 hours straight.
– 1,579 more flights canceled today. Dubai airport, 70% of flights gone. Virtually zero flight activity over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar.
– OPEC+ just raised production by 206,000 barrels/day trying to get ahead of the oil shock.
– Gas is $2.98/gallon right now. Analysts say it could jump 50 cents if the Strait of Hormuz fully closes.
– Congress is planning a war powers vote this week. It won’t matter, not enough votes to override a veto.
– Trump spoke with leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE today.
– Secretary of State Rubio canceled his Monday trip to Israel.
– Oil futures open in hours.
– France is sending its most powerful ships to the region.
– 9 people k*lled in Karachi, Pakistan after protesters tried to storm the US Consulate.
– Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting escalating, Pakistan jets firing on Kabul, heaviest fighting in years between the two.
– UAE ordered ALL schools and universities to remote learning for 3 days.
– Israel says it destroyed ~200 Iranian missile launchers and knocked out HALF of Iran’s missile launchers.
– Trump told NBC “a large amount of leadership was killed, I don’t mean like two people.”
– Sen. Warner (top Dem on Intel Committee): “I saw no intelligence Iran was planning a preemptive strike.”
In my opinion, this is far from over.
This will impact the stock market tomorrow.
But don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated on everything as this develops.
Turn on notifications so you don’t miss any important updates.
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#IranConfirmsKhameneiIsDead #USIsraelStrikeIran #AnthropicUSGovClash #BlockAILayoffs #JaneStreet10AMDump

For the first time in 36 years, Iran has a new face at the top.

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. 67 years old. And most people have never heard his name.

Here’s everything you need to know about the man now running Iran:

He’s not doing it alone. Iran formed a 3-person leadership council: Arafi, President Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Mohseni-Eje’i.

They’re splitting Khamenei’s powers between them until the Assembly of Experts picks a permanent Supreme Leader.

But Arafi is the one everyone’s watching.

This guy has been quietly stacking power for DECADES.

Born in 1959 in the small town of Meybod. His father was reportedly close with Khomeini himself, the original Supreme Leader. He was sent to Qom for religious training at age 11.

By 33, Khamenei personally made him Friday prayer leader. That doesn’t happen unless you’re trusted at the highest levels.

He simultaneously held THREE of the most powerful positions in the country:

– Director of Iran’s entire seminary system

– Member of the Guardian Council (the body that vets every law and every candidate)

– Member of the Assembly of Experts (the body that literally picks the Supreme Leader)

The man who now temporarily IS the Supreme Leader was already on the committee that CHOOSES the Supreme Leader.

He’s what makes him different.

He speaks fluent English and Arabic. He met Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2022. And he’s been openly pushing for Iran to adopt artificial intelligence to spread its message globally.

He’s being described by Reuters as a “completely trusted loyalist” of the regime. The IRGC sees him as a safe pair of hands.

Some analysts had him on the shortlist to replace Khamenei for YEARS. Now he’s effectively filling that role, at least temporarily.

The real question: does the Assembly of Experts make it permanent? Or does someone else emerge?

I will keep you updated as this story develops. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss anything.

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#IranConfirmsKhameneiIsDead #USIsraelStrikeIran #AnthropicUSGovClash #BlockAILayoffs #JaneStreet10AMDump