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US says Iran’s new supreme leader likely ‘wounded’, dismisses Strait of Hormuz concerns

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been injured and pledged to continue ramping up attacks, while playing down the impact of the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured”, Hegseth said during a press conference on Friday morning. The new Iranian leader’s first public address, issued on Thursday through a written statement, showed that “he’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run, and he...

Mar 13, 2026 &03231313202631; 15:23 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

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, while downplaying concerns about the Strait of Hormuz closure. This geopolitical escalation raises tensions in the Middle East but the US dismissal of shipping route disruption concerns may be overconfident given critical energy supply implications.

AI CONFIDENCE

72% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Strait of Hormuz closure threatens 21% of global oil transit; geopolitical tensions typically drive crude prices higher despite US downplaying concerns

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Middle East escalation creates safe-haven demand for USD while energy cost concerns pressure EUR-denominated economies

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Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities vulnerable to energy price spikes and geopolitical risk premium; energy-dependent sectors face margin pressure

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

Mixed signals: energy stocks benefit from oil rally but broader market concerns about inflation and supply chain disruption

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid Middle East tensions and potential economic disruption

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Long crude oil (CL=F) and gold (GC=F) as geopolitical risk hedges; reduce exposure to energy-dependent European equities (^STOXX50E). Monitor Strait of Hormuz developments closely as any actual shipping disruption could trigger significant commodity rally and equity selloff.

KEY SIGNALS

Strait of Hormuz effective closure - critical chokepoint for global energyIranian leadership instability and escalating US-Iran tensionsUS military posture hardening with continued attack pledgesPotential energy supply shock and inflation concernsSafe-haven asset demand likely to increase

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyShipping & LogisticsDefenseUtilitiesTransportation

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 14:01 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.

US says Iran’s new supreme leader likely ‘wounded’, dismisses Strait of Hormuz concerns

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