<h1>Rupee falls 17 paise to 86.72 as Middle East tensions drive oil prices up 2%</h1> The rupee depreciated 17 paise to 86.72 against the US dollar following a US attack on nuclear facilities in a Middle Eastern country, causing global crude oil prices to surge 2% to $77.27 per barrel. The strengthening dollar index and weak domestic equity markets added pressure on the local currency. However, increased foreign institutional investor inflows and rising forex reserves limited further losses. Market participants expressed concerns about potential disruption to global crude supply routes. Domestic equity markets declined significantly, with major indices falling over 2%. The central bank intervened to maintain market stability amid higher oil prices affecting the current account.