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Netanyahu threatens Iran’s new supreme leader, defends joint assault with US

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday issued ⁠a veiled threat to kill Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei even as he acknowledged that Israel’s joint air war with the US may not lead to a collapse of Tehran’s clerical government. Holding his first press conference since the start of the war, ‌the Israeli leader said that Iran was “no longer the same” after nearly two weeks of bombardment and that Tehran had suffered blows to its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij...

Mar 12, 2026 &03311212202631; 21:31 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 3/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -65/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Netanyahu's threats toward Iran's new supreme leader and acknowledgment of ongoing joint US-Israel military operations create heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This escalation increases uncertainty around oil supply disruptions and regional stability, with potential implications for energy markets and defense-related equities.

AI CONFIDENCE

78% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Escalating Middle East tensions and military operations increase geopolitical risk premium on crude oil; potential supply disruption concerns

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid heightened regional conflict and military escalation

↓

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

Risk-off sentiment favors USD strength as safe-haven currency during geopolitical crisis

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

Mixed impact: energy stocks benefit from oil price surge, but broader market faces uncertainty from geopolitical escalation

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities pressured by energy cost concerns and geopolitical risk aversion

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Long crude oil (CL=F) and gold (GC=F) as geopolitical hedges; consider reducing European equity exposure (^STOXX50E) due to energy cost pressures. Monitor USD strength (EURUSD short) as safe-haven flows intensify. Defense contractors may see selective strength despite broader market volatility.

KEY SIGNALS

Escalating military rhetoric and direct threats to Iranian leadershipAcknowledgment that military campaign may not achieve regime collapseOngoing joint US-Israel operations indicate sustained conflict durationRevolutionary Guards and Basij targeted - critical Iranian military infrastructureGeopolitical risk premium expansion

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefense & AerospaceUtilitiesPrecious Metals

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 16:08 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.

Netanyahu threatens Iran’s new supreme leader, defends joint assault with US

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