Market sources say SoftBank is considering acquiring Allied, the largest U.S. securities firm.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued two advisories on the 17th saying two tankers were attacked on the 16th in waters northeast of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. At 09:00 UTC a tanker about 68 nm (≈126 km) NE of Jubail was struck by an unknown projectile; crew evacuated safely and no pollution was reported at the time. At 19:22 UTC a second tanker about 78 nm (≈144 km) NE of Jubail was hit by a rocket fired from a small boat, damaging the port-aft; all crew confirmed safe. Damage assessments and environmental impact are pending. UKMTO warned transiting vessels to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.

U.S. Vice President Vance told former White House spokesman Sean Spicer on Friday he had disagreed with Trump over a war with Iran. Vance said right‑wing commentator Tucker Carlson, a public critic of the war, was "very, very angry" and that they had discussed the issue both privately and publicly.