By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Nationwide protests against President Donald Trump, tensions in the Middle East amid Israel's strikes on Iran and expected rainy weather in Washington on Saturday could dampen spirits at a military parade on the U.

The US State and Defense departments on Wednesday made efforts to arrange the departure of non-essential personnel from locations around the Middle East, according to US officials and sources familiar with the efforts.

Israel’s attack on Iran has catapulted their long-running conflict into what could become a wider, more dangerous regional war and potentially drive prices higher for both businesses and households.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discusses whether President Donald Trump is communicating with Iran's leadership on 'Fox & Friend Weekend.'

Global air traffic has been disrupted following Israel’s strikes on Iran Friday, with several major airlines suspending flights to and from locations in the Middle East and rerouting their planes to avoid much of the region’s airspace.

What Happened in Markets Today Israel launched a broad air campaign against Iran, targeting its nuclear capabilities and military/political leadership. Markets were rattled after Israel said it had detected dozens of missiles launched from Iran and was working to intercept them.

A paratrooper carries the Iranian flag over the shrine of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Israel’s attack on Iran has catapulted their long-running conflict into what could become a wider, more dangerous regional war and potentially drive prices higher for both businesses and households

Traders on Friday exchanged the most $80 West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil call options since January, expecting more upside to prices after Israeli airstrikes on Iran sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict.