BlockBeats News, March 2 — The Middle East situation has sharply deteriorated, with the U.S. and Israel launching a large-scale airstrike against Iran. Iran confirmed that multiple high-ranking officials, including the Supreme Leader, were killed in the attack. The spillover effects of the conflict have quickly impacted global energy and financial markets.
President Trump stated that military actions against Iran could last about four weeks. The U.S. military has targeted hundreds of sites, including the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, air defense systems, and naval facilities, and confirmed that nuclear facilities were not involved. The U.S. disclosed the use of B-2 stealth bombers and other equipment.
Iran announced the formation of a temporary leadership committee. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched the ninth round of “Real Commitment 4” operations and reported shooting down multiple U.S. and Israeli drones. Iran warned that if energy facilities are attacked, it will strike regional oil and gas infrastructure.
Shipping data shows over 200 ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, including oil and liquefied gas carriers. An oil tanker was attacked and damaged along the Persian Gulf coast. Insurance brokers estimate war risk premiums could increase by 25%–50%.
Goldman Sachs estimates that if the Strait of Hormuz supply is fully disrupted for six weeks, oil prices could face an risk premium of $18 per barrel; if only 50% of supply is interrupted for one month, the premium could be about $4. International oil prices surged, with Brent Crude and WTI Crude Oil rising significantly at the start of trading. Many institutions believe that if oil prices approach $90 per barrel, global inflation and monetary policy paths will need to be reassessed.
Risk aversion has increased, with gold strengthening, the U.S. dollar remaining stable against the Japanese yen, and the dollar weakening against the Swiss franc. The euro fell below 1.18 against the dollar. Major Middle Eastern stock indices declined 4%–5% intraday, Iran’s stock market suspended trading, and several UAE exchanges announced temporary closures. According to CME “Fed Watch,” the probability of the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady in March is 93.6%, with markets still betting on no policy changes in the short term.
The U.S. Capitol will implement enhanced security measures. The UK reported an explosion at a British military base in Cyprus. Some areas in northern Pakistan have imposed curfews. The EU announced plans to deploy additional ships to strengthen security in the Red Sea and Gulf regions. Analysts believe the key variables are:
- Whether the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked;
- Whether the conflict expands to a broader region;
- Whether rising energy prices reignite global inflation expectations.
If energy transportation remains smooth, markets may see a temporary recovery; if oil and gas supplies are substantially impacted, global asset prices could experience further volatility.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Goldman Sachs expects Brent crude oil prices to fall to the lower end of the $70 per barrel range later this year.
Goldman Sachs expects the average price of Brent crude oil to exceed $100 per barrel in March, $85 per barrel in April, and to fall back to $70 per barrel by the end of the year. If the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted for two months, prices in the fourth quarter are expected to rise to $93 per barrel.
GateNews3m ago
Robert Kiyosaki Warns of Biggest Market Crash After 2026, Bitcoin Hedges Debt Crisis
Robert Kiyosaki is warning of a potentially historic stock market crash around 2026, which he attributes to structural issues that have persisted since the 2008 financial crisis. His recommended hedge assets include gold, silver, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and oil to counter market volatility. Despite his mixed track record of predictions, his warnings have sparked widespread concern about financial stability.
MarketWhisper12m ago
US Treasury volatility rises to a nine-month high, with the bond market "fear index" reaching its highest level since June last year
On March 13th, volatility in the U.S. Treasury market reached a nine-month high, with the ICE BofA MOVE index climbing. Escalating Iran tensions heightened market inflation concerns, rising oil prices reduced the appeal of Treasuries, 30-year Treasury yields increased, and traders reduced bets on rate cuts in 2026. Investors need to consider the uncertainty brought about by stagflation.
GateNews22m ago
Gate Daily Report (March 13): CFTC Releases First-Ever Guidance on Prediction Market Manipulation Risks; SEC Calls for Securities Tokenization Exemptions
Bitcoin has recently rebounded strongly to $71,480, the U.S. CFTC released market manipulation risk guidance and is seeking public comments, and the SEC chair called for establishing an innovation exemption mechanism for security tokenization. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase faces a class action lawsuit, crypto market volatility and investor sentiment are gradually stabilizing, with expectations for potentially positive developments ahead.
MarketWhisper3h ago
BTC Rises 0.79% in 15 Minutes: On-Chain Large Capital Inflows and Favorable Macro Policies Drive Market Upswing
2026-03-12 15:15 to 2026-03-12 15:30 (UTC), BTC recorded a +k-line return of 0.79%, with price fluctuating between 69702.5 and 70428.9 USDT, reaching an amplitude of 1.04%. Trading activity was robust during this time window, with noticeably elevated market attention and intensified short-term volatility.
The primary driver of this price movement was on-chain large fund flows and increased institutional participation. During the same period, multiple large transfers exceeding 1,000 BTC flowed into exchange cold wallets, with whale addresses concentrating their buying activities. [Text appears to be incomplete]
GateNews14h ago
Trump Administration Proposes Suspending the Jones Act to Curb Oil Prices
Gate News reports that on March 12, the Trump administration plans to suspend the Jones Act (a shipping regulation that restricts cargo transportation between U.S. ports to American vessels) to moderate oil prices. The restrictions under this act have resulted in higher domestic oil transportation costs in the United States, and suspending the act could help lower oil prices.
GateNews14h ago
