Dow Jones Falls Over 700 Points Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Oil Prices Surge

U.S. stock markets experienced sharp declines following Israel's deadly airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, sparking fears of a wider Middle East conflict and causing a surge in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell between 388 and 770 points across reports, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also dropped, reflecting investor concerns over geopolitical instability and potential economic fallout. Oil prices surged more than 8%, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude futures climbing sharply, driving expectations of higher gasoline prices in the U.S. and renewed inflationary pressures. President Donald Trump warned Iran to negotiate and take advantage of a second chance to avoid further destruction, emphasizing the seriousness of the escalating conflict. Investors moved away from high-risk assets like tech stocks and cryptocurrencies, while traditional safe havens such as gold and the dollar saw gains. The tension heightens uncertainty around Federal Reserve interest rate decisions and adds complexity to an already fragile global economic environment.