Iran

Streaming services are facing investor pressure to prioritize profitability over subscriber growth, likely leading to higher subscription costs. The market is optimistic due to potential U.S.-Iran diplomatic resolutions, boosting stock futures. Key developments include strong first-quarter bank earnings from JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, a significant return on Oracle’s Bloom Energy investment, political resignations and strategic ad campaigns ahead of midterms, and Delta Air Lines enhancing its premium travel experience.

Iran’s IRGC has warned 18 U.S. tech companies, including Nvidia, Apple, and Google, that they are now “legitimate targets.” This is a retaliatory move for recent actions against Iran, with threats of cyber and physical attacks commencing soon. The IRGC stated that for every assassination, an American company will be destroyed, aiming to disrupt U.S. economic interests and technological infrastructure in the region.

Iran is experiencing a near-total internet blackout, impacting over 90 million citizens for more than 48 hours, with connectivity dropping to 1% of normal levels. This “regime-imposed” shutdown, observed by NetBlocks, follows a pattern of disruptions during unrest. Analysts suggest a whitelisting system may be in place for loyalists. Simultaneously, cyberattacks by U.S. and Israeli actors are reported to be targeting Iranian infrastructure, with Iranian-aligned groups potentially preparing for cyber retaliation.

Three Silicon Valley engineers are indicted for stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech firms, allegedly sending sensitive data to Iran. The group, including a Google employee and her husband, faces charges of conspiracy, theft, and obstruction. Authorities detail a sophisticated scheme using third-party channels and even photographing screens to exfiltrate data, which continued after one suspect’s access was revoked. Convictions could lead to lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.