Traders on Friday exchanged the most $80 West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil call options since January, expecting more upside to prices after Israeli airstrikes on Iran sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israel’s attack on Iran has catapulted their long-running conflict into what could become a wider, more dangerous regional war and potentially drive prices higher for both businesses and households.

Unrest spreads throughout the world ahead of Trump’s military parade. It’s Friday the 13th, and tensions are rising at home and abroad – a fitting backdrop as powder kegs keep detonating across the map.

The US State and Defense departments on Wednesday made efforts to arrange the departure of non-essential personnel from locations around the Middle East, according to US officials and sources familiar with the efforts.

What Happened in Markets Today Israel launched a broad air campaign against Iran, targeting its nuclear capabilities and military/political leadership. Markets were rattled after Israel said it had detected dozens of missiles launched from Iran and was working to intercept them.

Iran condemns Israel's overnight strikes on military and nuclear facilities while threatening US bases in the Middle East as the Trump administration orders partial evacuations.

U.S. investors on Friday sought refuge in safe-haven assets like the dollar and gold, as oil prices surged after Iran retaliated against Israel's biggest-ever military strike against the major crude producer.

Market reactions to Israel’s attack on Iran weren’t all that surprising Friday – with one key exception. That aberration signals where traders’ real fears seem to lie. Stocks fell, as one would expect,