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Trump was once not keen on regime change in Iran – then he lost patience

With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, US President Donald Trump showed a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule. Guardrails were tossed aside, as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership, including the 86-year-old Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death...

Mar 01, 2026 &03300101202631; 01:30 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

Geopolitical tensions from US-led military operations in Iran are likely to increase market volatility, boosting safe-haven assets like gold and bonds while pressuring equities. Oil prices may rise due to supply disruption risks, and defense sectors could benefit from heightened military activity.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↑

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Geopolitical risk in the Middle East threatens oil supply, driving prices higher.

↑

Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand increases amid geopolitical uncertainty, boosting gold prices.

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

USD may fluctuate as safe-haven flows conflict with policy risks, leading to volatility.

↓

10-Year Treasury Yield

^TNXBond

Expected to decline

Increased demand for safe-haven bonds lowers yields as prices rise.

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities are likely to decline due to global risk aversion from geopolitical tensions.

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Reduce exposure to risk assets, hedge with gold and Treasury bonds, and consider defensive stocks in energy and defense sectors for short-term positioning.

KEY SIGNALS

Oil price surgeGold rallyEquity market sell-offBond yield compression

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefenseAerospace

Analysis generated on Mar 01, 2026 at 01:37 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.

Trump was once not keen on regime change in Iran – then he lost patience

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