The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost nearly 800 points today, and the broader benchmark S&P 500 Index just posted its fifth straight weekly loss, marking its worst streak since 2022. The culprit is the war in Iran, which has spread to other parts of the Middle East and lifted crude oil futures back over $99 per barrel, as of this writing. The market started the week on a promising note, as President Donald Trump publicly said the U.S. had a strong intent to reach an agreement with Iran and end the conflict. The U.S. reportedly sent Iranian officials a 15-point plan to end the war. However, mixed signals persisted all week, with Trump suggesting a deal was close, while Iran, through its state media and its foreign minister, said it had no plans to negotiate with the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. deployed troops to the Middle East, leaving some wondering if further escalation is ahead.