Global equity markets declined amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including reported Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure and U.S. embassy evacuations in Riyadh, which contributed to oil prices rising to $112 per barrel. Market sentiment was further weighed down by reports of Iran’s shadow fleet oil supplies to China being exhausted and Tesla’s 5.

35% after-hours drop following a reduction in its 2026 capital expenditure guidance.

US and Israeli officials report that military planning is underway for potential strikes on Iranian targets, including energy and nuclear infrastructure, following next month's midterm elections, with recent exercises and high-level meetings cited as evidence.

However, the likelihood of these operations proceeding remains uncertain, as President Trump has previously vetoed similar plans, and analysts question whether renewed conflict would yield better results than the earlier phase of hostilities.

Tehran stated that seven oil tankers were damaged or caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, attributing the incidents to either Iranian action or naval mines, though the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations did not confirm these reports. Iranian officials have threatened to target U.

S. military bases in response to American efforts to guide commercial shipping, while asserting the country's readiness to defend itself amid ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Ukrainian officials have stated that military aid from allied nations has decreased. These assertions remain unverified by independent sources.