Gulf Stock Markets Slightly Down as US-Iran Conflict Enters Third Week

BlockBeats News, March 15th, most Gulf region stock markets saw a slight decline on Sunday. The Saudi Arabian benchmark index fell 0.8% at one point, with Rajhi Bank dropping 0.9% and Saudi Arabia's largest lender National Commercial Bank falling 1.9%; the Qatar index fell 0.5%, with the region's largest lender Qatar National Bank declining 1.3%; the Bahrain benchmark index fell 0.3%; the Oman benchmark index fell 0.4%.

Currently, the US-Iran conflict has entered its third week, with US President Trump threatening further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub, while Iran has vowed to intensify its response. In addition, three sources familiar with the matter said the Trump administration has rejected efforts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate diplomatic talks to end the US-Israel-Iran war. Trump has also called on allies to deploy warships to help ensure the security of the vital global energy supply route of the Strait of Hormuz. (Golden Finance)