Wall Street’s main indexes opened lower on Friday as Israel’s deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities heightened tensions in the oil-rich Middle East, dampening risk appetite across global markets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold calls with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following overnight strikes on Iran, Ynet reported Friday, citing a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Netanyahu has already spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the statement, the leaders “expressed understanding for Israel’s defense needs against Iran’s threat of annihilation.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu would maintain close contact with international leaders in the coming days.
Iran, Iraq and Jordan closed their airspace and Israel shut its main airport on Friday after Israeli strikes disrupted global aviation.
Thousands of flights were cancelled or diverted, with Eurocontrol estimating at least 1,800 affected in Europe alone.
Airlines including El Al, Air France, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Qatar Airways suspended or rerouted operations.
Shares in major carriers fell, and oil prices surged amid fears of escalation.
