U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Russia Urges Restraint as U.S. Military Buildup Heightens Iran Tensions
Growing friction in the Middle East has prompted Russia to issue a stark warning about what it calls an “unprecedented escalation of tension” surrounding Iran. Moscow’s remarks come as the United States significantly increases its military presence in the region, a move American officials say will be fully in place by mid‑March.
Russian officials have called on all parties—particularly Iran and the United States—to exercise restraint. Despite staging joint naval drills with Tehran, the Kremlin insists these exercises were pre‑planned and should not be interpreted as provocative.
The U.S., meanwhile, has issued renewed warnings to Iran following stalled nuclear discussions, signaling that failure to reach a diplomatic agreement could lead to military action. This comes as Iran and Russia conduct joint naval operations in the Sea of Oman, intended to deter unilateral moves in the region.
Amid these developments, Russia, China, and Iran have also carried out coordinated naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway critical to global energy supplies. The drills underscore the shifting military dynamics as Washington continues to bolster its forces across the Middle East.
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