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Iran’s new supreme leader calls for retaliation for every death in first public statement. Live updates here

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement on the war on Thursday, saying that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Iran will keep attacking its Gulf Arab neighbors. Khamenei also called on Gulf countries to “shut down” U.S. bases, saying promised U.S. protection is “nothing more than a lie.”

Mar 12, 2026 &03191212202631; 19:19 UTC www.bnnbloomberg.ca Trending 3/5

Read original on www.bnnbloomberg.ca ↗

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has escalated rhetoric by threatening retaliation for deaths, calling for closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and demanding Gulf nations expel U.S. military bases. This represents a significant geopolitical escalation with direct implications for global energy security and regional stability.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Strait of Hormuz closure threats directly impact crude oil supply; 21% of global petroleum passes through this chokepoint

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid geopolitical tensions and conflict escalation

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Energy crisis concerns and economic uncertainty create currency volatility; European energy dependence on Middle East

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities pressured by energy cost inflation and geopolitical risk premium

↓

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

U.S. equities face headwinds from oil price spike and military escalation risks

↓

10-Year Treasury Yield

^TNXBond

Expected to decline

Flight-to-safety demand drives Treasury yields lower as investors seek secure assets

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Immediate action: Increase exposure to energy commodities (CL=F, GC=F) and defensive sectors; reduce equity positions in cyclical stocks. Consider long volatility positions (VIX calls) and safe-haven assets (bonds, gold). Monitor Strait of Hormuz developments closely as any actual closure would trigger severe market disruption.

KEY SIGNALS

Strait of Hormuz closure threat - critical energy supply disruption riskEscalated military rhetoric from new Iranian leadershipDemand for U.S. base closures in Gulf regionGeopolitical risk premium expansionEnergy security concerns for global markets

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefenseUtilitiesTransportationFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 16:28 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 BNN Bloomberg. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Iran’s new supreme leader calls for retaliation for every death in first public statement. Live updates here

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