SCMP Business EN

Hegseth says Tuesday will be ‘most intense’ of US war on Iran as Trump considers endgame

Tuesday will be the “most intense day of strikes” inside Iran so far, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, adding that President Donald Trump will ultimately decide the war’s timeline. The Pentagon chief’s remarks follow the president’s comments on Monday, suggesting the war could be over sooner than expected. For now, fighting appeared to be ramping up. “Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran – the most fighters, the most bombers,” Hegseth told reporters on...

Mar 10, 2026 &03511010202631; 17:51 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 5/5

Read original on www.scmp.com ↗

↘

Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -65/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday will feature the most intense strikes against Iran to date, with President Trump considering an endgame timeline. This escalation signals potential military expansion in the Middle East conflict, creating significant geopolitical uncertainty and potential market volatility.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↑

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Escalating US-Iran military conflict increases Middle East geopolitical risk premium and potential supply disruptions

↑

Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid military escalation and geopolitical uncertainty

⇅

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

US equity markets face headwinds from military escalation, energy price spikes, and geopolitical risk

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities vulnerable to energy price increases and broader geopolitical tensions

↑

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to rise

Safe-haven flows favor EUR as risk-off sentiment increases

PRICE HISTORY

Loading chart...

⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Buy crude oil (CL=F) and gold (GC=F) as safe-haven hedges; reduce equity exposure in cyclical sectors. Monitor Trump's statements closely for de-escalation signals that could reverse these positions quickly.

KEY SIGNALS

Military escalation in Middle EastGeopolitical risk premium expansionPotential oil supply disruption concernsSafe-haven asset demand increaseUncertainty regarding conflict endgame timeline

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefenseAerospaceUtilitiesFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 11, 2026 at 01:00 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Hegseth says Tuesday will be ‘most intense’ of US war on Iran as Trump considers endgame

RELATED INTELLIGENCE