US-Iran Tensions Drive Dollar and Oil Prices Up, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Falls

The renewed conflict between the United States and Iran continues to impact global financial markets amid escalating military strikes and sharp rhetoric from both sides. Investors are increasingly shifting toward safer assets due to fears of a broader regional conflict. In Israel's currency market, the US dollar strengthened against the shekel, trading around 3.05 shekels, while the euro also rose to approximately 3.48 shekels. This reflects a flight to safety amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Energy markets saw significant price increases, with Brent crude oil surpassing $77 per barrel and WTI crude exceeding $73 per barrel. These rises are attributed to concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil shipments.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange responded to the tensions with nearly 1% declines in its leading indices, driven by worries about the conflict's economic repercussions both regionally and globally. The recent escalation began after the US launched attacks on several Iranian military targets, accusing Tehran of attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and violating prior agreements. US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over, while Iran blamed Washington for breaching accords and escalating the conflict further.