Oil prices surged sharply in early trading after reports of renewed attacks in the Middle East, triggering a broad sell-off in equity markets.

The move reflects growing concerns over potential disruptions to energy infrastructure and global supply chains.

Equity indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, fell by more than 1% as investors shifted to safer assets.

Brent crude climbed 3.8% in the session, with traders citing renewed geopolitical risks as the primary driver.

Equity indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, fell by more than 1% as investors shifted to safer assets.

The cross-asset reaction underscores the market's sensitivity to regional instability and its cascading effects on risk appetite.

The current escalation follows a pattern of intermittent attacks in the region, which have historically led to sharp repricings in energy markets.