The Central Bank of Kazakhstan plans to temporarily suspend mandatory foreign exchange settlement requirements for export earnings earned by quasi-public sector companies next week.

Conflict Update 1. Iran strikes four US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, calling it only "phase one." 2. US Central Command: The US military has completed a new round of strikes against Iran, targeting approximately 90 military targets along the Iranian coast. 3. Iranian Revolutionary Guard: If the US launches another attack, our response will extend to other US bases in the region. 4. The US military uses cruise missiles to strike two railway bridges in northern Iran, marking the first US attack on Iranian infrastructure since the ceasefire reached on April 8. 5. According to Iran's Mehr News Agency: Explosions were heard in the Bushehr region of southern Iran. 6. According to Iranian state media: The area around the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran was attacked by US artillery fire. 7. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency: Explosions occurred at the Ali Salim Air Base and port area in Kuwait. 8. According to Iran's Mehr News Agency: Explosions were heard in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, possibly originating from crossfire somewhere in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. 9. Israel Defense Forces: Two underground tunnels, totaling approximately 200 meters in length, have been destroyed in the southern Lebanese town of Mejdar-Zoun. 10. Israeli media: Sources say Iran currently has no intention of dragging Israel into the conflict. 11. Israeli Defense Minister: Our troops are on high alert and ready to resume fighting. 12. Israeli Defense Minister: We will not withdraw from the safe zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. 13. Iran warns the United States against further military "adventurism." 14. According to Iranian media Fars News: Military sources say Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are providing logistical support for a large number of US fighter jet flights. 15. Israeli Defense Minister Katz: Israel is prepared for a "third" attack on Iran if necessary. 16. According to Iranian state television: No explosions have been recorded recently in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Sirik, and Jask in Iran. 17. Iran's official news agency, citing local officials, reported that an Iranian naval base in Konarak was attacked by "enemies." 18. According to IRNA: Officials in Bushehr province, Iran, stated that the explosion in Bushehr was triggered by an air defense response, following an attack on a local military facility by the US and Israel. US-Iran Negotiations 1. According to CNN: Regional sources confirmed that Pakistan and Qatar are working to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table. 2. US official: The first pilot zone between Israel and Lebanon will be launched within days. Strait of Hormuz 1. According to Axios: A US official revealed that the current escalation of tensions between the US and Iran could last for a day or two, a week, or a month, depending on whether Iran continues to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Other Developments 1. Iraqi sources reported that alarms were sounded at the US-led "Harirl" military base in Erbil province in northern Iraq. 2. Saudi Foreign Ministry: We reject Iran's violations of the sovereignty of our brotherly nations and its continued threats to regional security and stability. 3. According to Axios: The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss the situation in Iran. 4. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal spoke by phone to discuss the regional situation and consult on the Middle East situation following US actions.

U.S. stocks rose as investors largely shrugged off the latest U.S.-Iran clashes and rotated into technology names. Despite heightened Middle East tensions and an earlier sell-off in chip stocks, the AI investment theme remains intact. Goldman Sachs' trading desk said client conversations show no material concern about AI-related trading or capex prospects, viewing the recent pullback as technical rather than fundamental. BlackRock economist Helen Zhuweil added that although the biggest tech firms are beginning to post negative free cash flow and are increasingly financing expansion via debt, AI investment commitments should continue to support the theme for at least another two to three years.