Global week ahead: Operation Epic Fury means new risks for markets

Market Reactions - Stock markets across the Middle East experienced a sell-off, with Saudi Arabia's Tadawul, Oman's Muscat index, and Bahrain's exchange all trading in the red during the first trading session post-attack [3] - The impact of the attacks is expected to reverberate across global markets, with indexes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Israel set to resume trading [3] Oil Market Volatility - Oil markets are predicted to be highly volatile, with Brent crude prices expected to spike above $80 a barrel following the attacks [4] - The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is exacerbating oil price volatility, as global shipping companies have suspended vessel transit through the route [4] - Iran's Revolutionary Guard has claimed responsibility for striking oil tankers in the Gulf, further complicating the situation [4] Airline Industry Disruption - The air travel sector has faced significant disruptions, with almost all Middle East airspace closed since the strikes began, leading to over 1,500 flight cancellations and more than 19,000 global flight delays [7] - Airlines are under pressure as they work to reopen routes and arrange repatriation flights [7] Intersection of AI and Military Operations - The strikes have intersected with the market's focus on artificial intelligence, as the U.S. military utilized Anthropic's Claude AI technology to support its operations in Iran [8] - Anthropic has faced challenges with the Pentagon regarding the unrestricted military use of its technology, leading to its designation as a "supply chain risk" [8]