The low-boil conflict between Israel and Iran has shaped the Middle East for decades. Of the many conflicts that have roiled the region, theirs has long been among the most explosive. The two have attacked each other — mostly quietly and in Iran’s case often by proxy — while avoiding an escalation into direct war.

Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens in the country’s most populated areas but causing no apparent damage or injuries

Oct 21 (Reuters) - Gold surged to a record high on Monday while silver struck a near 12-year peak, as growing uncertainties surrounding the U.S. presidential election and the Middle East war added to gold's rally already fueled by expectations of interest rates easing.

Gold hit an all-time peak on Tuesday as factors including safe-haven demand, spurred by U.S. election uncertainties and the Middle East war, combined with expectations of further monetary easing to amplify bullion's surge.

Up roughly 30% in the past year, the metal has attracted a growing chorus of experts who believe its rise will continue long-term.

Oil futures moved higher Tuesday, attempting to claw back steep losses suffered last week, with prices supported by a more upbeat prospects for Chinese demand and ongoing concerns that a broader Middle Eastern conflict that could threaten crude flows from the region.

Oil prices fell on Tuesday, paring the previous day's nearly 2% rise as the top U.S. diplomat renewed efforts to push for a ceasefire in the Middle East, and as slow demand in China, the world's top oil importer,