Sudden escalation in Middle East situation! Gold, silver, and crude oil all rise collectively!

Tensions in the Middle East suddenly escalate.

On the evening of the 27th, international gold, silver, and crude oil prices all surged. Spot silver rose over 4%, WTI crude oil and Brent crude oil both increased by more than 3%. Analysts pointed out that due to the sharp rise in geopolitical risks in the Middle East, global risk aversion sentiment has increased significantly, with the VIX fear index soaring over 13%, and U.S. stock index futures collectively falling.

According to the latest news, the Chinese Embassy in Israel issued an emergency notice stating that security risks in the Middle East have further increased. Chinese citizens in Israel are advised to stay highly alert, avoid unnecessary outings, familiarize themselves with bomb shelters and escape routes in advance, and ensure personal and property safety.

According to CCTV News, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckerby, told U.S. embassy staff in Israel on Friday (February 27) that if they plan to leave Israel, they must “leave today.” This comes amid growing concerns over the risk of military conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

Gold, Silver, and Crude Oil Rise Collectively

On the evening of February 27, Beijing time, international gold and silver prices surged sharply. By 10:00 PM, spot gold increased by 0.68%, spot silver rose over 4%, COMEX silver futures jumped over 5%, and spot platinum increased over 4%.

International crude oil prices also rose significantly. By 10:00 PM Beijing time, WTI crude oil futures surged 3.88% to $67.74 per barrel; Brent crude futures rose 3.63% to $73.41 per barrel.

Analysts noted that due to the rapid escalation of geopolitical risks in the Middle East, risk aversion has increased globally. U.S. stock index futures declined across the board, with Dow Jones futures down over 1%, S&P 500 futures down over 0.83%, and Nasdaq 100 futures down over 0.95%.

On February 27, according to the Consular Direct Line, Iran is facing significantly increased external security risks, and many countries have issued evacuation advisories for their citizens. Given the current security situation in Iran, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran remind Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Iran for the time being, strengthen safety precautions locally, and evacuate as soon as possible. The Chinese embassy and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will provide necessary assistance for Chinese citizens to transfer via commercial flights or land routes.

Subsequently, the Chinese Embassy in Israel also issued an emergency notice, stating that security risks in the Middle East have further increased. Chinese citizens in Israel are advised to closely monitor the development of the situation and security alerts issued by the Israeli government, stay highly vigilant, enhance safety precautions and emergency preparedness, avoid unnecessary outings, familiarize themselves with nearby bomb shelters and escape routes in advance, and ensure personal and property safety.

Other countries have also issued similar advisories. The Canadian government stated on social media that, given the ongoing tense regional situation, hostilities could occur with little warning. Citizens are advised to leave Iran immediately if it is safe to do so.

Canada previously issued a travel safety alert on February 4, urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and advising Canadian citizens in Iran to leave immediately.

Additionally, countries including Australia, India, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Sweden, and others are urging their citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible.

U.S. Ambassador: “Leave Today”

According to CCTV News, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckerby, told U.S. embassy staff in Israel on February 27 that they must leave Israel “today.”

Huckerby wrote in an email that any staff or family members planning to leave should “depart today.”

He pointed out that arrangements for non-emergency personnel to leave the embassy “are very likely to lead to a significant increase in flight demand today.” He advised relevant personnel to “prioritize obtaining tickets to any destination and then transfer to Washington, D.C. from there,” emphasizing that “the primary task is to leave the country as soon as possible.”

However, Huckerby also stated, “There is no need to panic,” but for those intending to leave, “early planning rather than delay is crucial.”

Earlier that day, the U.S. Embassy in Israel also announced that the U.S. State Department has approved the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from Israel due to “security risks.” The embassy also noted that, while commercial flights are still operational, others may consider leaving as soon as possible.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel posted on social platform X: “As of February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has authorized non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families to leave Israel due to security risks.”

The statement also mentioned: “In light of recent security incidents, without prior notice, the U.S. embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to certain areas in Israel, including Jerusalem’s Old City and the West Bank.” The embassy added, “With commercial flights still available, relevant personnel may consider leaving Israel.”

According to the security alert issued by the embassy on Friday, the current travel advisories recommend reconsidering travel plans to Israel “due to terrorism and social unrest factors.”

Recently, while negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program, the U.S. has deployed a significant military force in the Middle East. The latest round of talks concluded on Thursday but showed no signs of breakthrough.

Analysts suggest that the options for the White House are decreasing. President Trump will need to assess whether the renewed diplomatic efforts can quickly yield results, or else resort to military measures.

Later on the evening of the 26th, U.S. Central Command Commander General Cooper briefed Trump on military options against Iran. The commander of U.S. Central Command is the highest-ranking military commander for the U.S. in the Middle East. This was Cooper’s first briefing to Trump since the Iran crisis escalated in December last year.

Iran warned that if attacked, it would strike Israeli and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. If the situation escalates, Israel could also be drawn into the conflict. According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency on the 27th, Major General Shakarshi, spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, stated that any provocation by the U.S. would be met with a “decisive and destructive” response from Iranian armed forces.

(Article source: Securities Times)