Brent crude reached $117.42 per barrel on Friday, October 23, the highest price since April. The US and Israel have reportedly developed plans to strike Iran again after the November 3 elections, potentially attacking energy infrastructure. The White House says an attack will not occur before voting, and military preparations do not mean strikes will happen. On Thursday, the Nasdaq fell 2.6%, while Bitcoin declined toward $81,400. Higher energy costs could keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to retain restrictive interest rates. Further strikes could lift oil above $120 and increase the risk of another inflation-driven market selloff, while de-escalation could support a recovery.