Crude oil has been on a downward trajectory for years now, and that's actually been a major stabilizing force keeping inflation in check. But here's the thing—geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could flip the script overnight. If regional instability escalates, we're looking at a sharp spike in oil prices, which would immediately ripple through global markets. For crypto investors watching macro trends, this is worth paying attention to. Inflationary pressure directly impacts monetary policy and market liquidity, which feeds into asset allocation decisions across the board.