The United States has received intelligence indicating that Iran is preparing for an imminent missile attack on Israel. A senior U.S. official stressed that any direct assault on Israel by Iran would carry severe consequences for the Iranian regime. In response, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has ordered all American government personnel and their families in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.
The news has already had significant economic impacts, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling more than 250 points, spurred by a surge in WTI crude oil prices due to fears of escalating tensions in the petroleum-rich Middle East. The cryptocurrency market may also face volatility, as geopolitical instability tends to push investors towards safe-haven assets, such as gold, while risk-sensitive markets like crypto could experience a downturn amid heightened uncertainty and risk aversion.
