London's FTSE 100 retreated on Friday after closing at a record high in the previous session as Israel's attacks on Iran ramped up geopolitical tensions, but gains in energy stocks limited declines.

The United States is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest.

Secretary Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from CENTCOM locations amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The Indian rupee is expected to slip past 86 to the U.S. dollar at the open on Friday, hit by surging oil prices and sliding risk assets after Israel attacked targets in Iran.

AMANEY A. JAMAL is Co-Founder and Co-Principal Investigator at Arab Barometer, Dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University.

The United Arab Emirates is aiming to connect all seven emirates through a 900-kilometer (559-mile) high-speed rail network.

Gold prices climbed on Friday to their highest point in more than a month, on track for a weekly gain, as investors sought safe-haven assets after Israel's strike on Iran heightened Middle East tensions.

Find the answer for Middle Eastern leader from the people who brought you the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.