Stock market falls and oil prices rise over Middle East conflict

U.S. stock markets dropped, joining a global sell-off, as concerns grew about a widening conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The main worry is that the fighting could disrupt oil supplies from the Middle East, which pushed oil prices higher and fueled inflation fears.

President Donald Trump gave assurances that helped stocks pare some of their earlier losses. However, the situation rattled financial markets, with Wall Street seeing significant declines and investors watching the risk of further supply disruptions closely.