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Religious leaders also weighed in. Pope Leo described the moment as a moral crossroads, urging world leaders to choose dialogue over destruction. He warned that cycles of retaliation risk entrenching violence and suffering for generations. The Vatican’s statement framed the crisis not only as a geopolitical flashpoint but as a test of humanity’s capacity to resolve disputes without resorting to war.
Markets reacted swiftly. Oil prices spiked amid fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments. Investors sought safe-haven assets, reflecting anxiety about prolonged instability. Analysts warned that even a limited exchange could ripple through financial systems already strained by geopolitical uncertainty.