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US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island, attacking ‘every military target’, Trump says

⁠US ⁠President ⁠Donald Trump said on Friday that the United ‌States had carried out strikes against “every military target” on Iran’s Kharg Island export hub. “For reasons ⁠of decency, I have ‌chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil ‌Infrastructure on the ⁠Island,” ⁠Trump said in a social media post. “However, should Iran, or anyone ‌else, ‌do anything to interfere ‌with the Free ⁠and Safe Passage of ⁠Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I ‌will immediately ‌reconsider this decision.” More to follow …

Mar 13, 2026 &03231313202631; 23:23 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 4/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

US military strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub, create immediate geopolitical tension and supply disruption risks. Trump's explicit threat to target oil infrastructure if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted significantly elevates energy market volatility and uncertainty.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Crude oil prices likely to spike due to supply disruption fears and potential escalation threatening Strait of Hormuz shipping

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid geopolitical escalation and military conflict

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Risk-off sentiment and energy price uncertainty create currency volatility; EUR weakness likely as European energy costs rise

↓

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

US equity markets pressured by energy cost inflation, geopolitical risk premium, and potential supply chain disruptions

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities face headwinds from elevated energy prices and economic uncertainty from Middle East tensions

↓

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 action: Buy crude oil (CL=F) and gold (GC=F) as safe-haven and inflation hedges; reduce equity exposure, particularly energy-dependent sectors. Monitor Strait of Hormuz shipping updates closely as any disruption could trigger severe oil spike. Consider defensive positioning until geopolitical tensions de-escalate.

KEY SIGNALS

Critical oil export hub under direct military attackExplicit threat to destroy remaining oil infrastructure escalates conflict riskStrait of Hormuz shipping corridor explicitly threatened - 20% of global oil passes throughGeopolitical risk premium expansion imminentEnergy supply shock potential if escalation continues

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyUtilitiesDefensive Consumer StaplesPrecious Metals

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 13:02 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 strikes Iran’s Kharg Island, attacking ‘every military target’, Trump says

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