U.S. stocks slumped under the weight of a jump for the price of oil. The S&P 500 fell 0.8% Tuesday following signals that Israel’s conflict with Iran may be worsening and that one of the U.S. economy’s main engines is weakening.

Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as the Iran-Israel conflict raged with no end in sight, though major oil and gas infrastructure and flows have so far been spared from substantial impact.

For one thing, early reports indicate the air strikes did not hit Iran’s petroleum facilities, which means the Islamic Republic should be able to keep producing crude oil at the same rate as before. Due to international sanctions, Iran relies heavily on China. It’s been estimated that China imported 89% of Iranian oil in February 2024.

Israel’s stunning attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership are embroiling the Middle East in another deadly war — and could imperil President Donald Trump’s pledge to slash oil prices for American consumers.

What is the biggest US crypto news today? JPMorgan says an attack on Iran could spike oil prices to $120, driving US CPI inflation to 5%.