The average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate slipped to 6.23% this week, down seven basis points from 6.30% a week earlier. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey confirmed the drop on April 23, marking the lowest level in the last three spring homebuying seasons. Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater noted the improvement, tying it to rising purchase applications, refinance activity, and pending home sales—clear signs of market momentum building. But. This modest retreat comes against a backdrop of geopolitical tension. Mortgage rates closely shadow the 10-year Treasury yield, which has stayed range-bound due to doubts over a shaky ceasefire between Washington and Iran. Just before U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, rates averaged 5.98%, bolstered by expanded purchases of mortgage-backed securities from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. They surged to 6.46% by early April. President Trump extended the truce indefinitely on Tuesday, yet ordered the U.S.…