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Israel claims strikes have killed top Iranian nuclear scientists. Live updates here.

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

Mar 12, 2026 &03501212202631; 23:50 UTC www.bnnbloomberg.ca Trending 3/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Israel's reported strikes on Iranian nuclear scientists combined with Supreme Leader Khamenei's aggressive rhetoric threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and escalate regional attacks significantly heighten geopolitical tensions. This escalation poses immediate risks to global oil supply chains and regional stability, with potential for broader Middle East conflict.

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 threat disrupts ~21% of global oil transit; geopolitical premium increases crude prices

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand from escalating Middle East tensions supports gold prices

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Risk-off sentiment favors USD strength; European exposure to Middle East instability creates volatility

↓

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

Geopolitical risk and energy cost concerns weigh on U.S. equities; defense stocks may outperform

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European indices vulnerable to energy shocks and regional instability

↓

10-Year Treasury Yield

^TNXBond

Expected to decline

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

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Immediate defensive positioning recommended: increase energy and precious metals exposure, reduce equity risk, and monitor Strait of Hormuz developments closely. Consider long crude oil (CL=F) and gold (GC=F) as geopolitical hedges while reducing exposure to cyclical sectors and European equities.

KEY SIGNALS

Strait of Hormuz closure threat - critical chokepoint for global oilIranian nuclear scientist targeting - escalation of covert operationsSupreme Leader direct involvement - signals state-level commitment to responseRegional proxy activation rhetoric - broader conflict expansion riskU.S. base targeting calls - American military presence under threat

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefense & AerospaceShipping & LogisticsUtilitiesFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 15:55 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.

Israel claims strikes have killed top Iranian nuclear scientists. Live updates here.

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