Middle East tensions spike oil prices sharply higher.

Middle East tensions spike oil prices sharply higher. Explosions in Tehran and Baghdad, combined with drone attacks on the US Embassy, sent crude oil surging two percent to $95.47 per barrel as markets fear potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical risk is now a primary driver of energy costs globally. Meanwhile, Bitcoin demonstrated resilience by reclaiming the $75,000 level amid the volatility, suggesting investors view digital assets as hedges against broader uncertainty. In Asia, equities responded positively with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining one percent and South Korea's KOSPI jumping 2.6 percent. The Bank of Japan signaled steady monetary policy normalization, with core inflation expected to reach its two percent target by the second half of fiscal 2026, providing clarity on future interest rate decisions.