BlockBeats News, March 2 — The Middle East situation has sharply deteriorated, with the U.S. and Israel launching a large-scale airstrike against Iran. Iran confirmed that multiple high-ranking officials, including the Supreme Leader, were killed in the attack. The spillover effects of the conflict have quickly impacted global energy and financial markets.
President Trump stated that military actions against Iran could last about four weeks. The U.S. military has targeted hundreds of sites, including the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, air defense systems, and naval facilities, and confirmed that nuclear facilities were not involved. The U.S. disclosed the use of B-2 stealth bombers and other equipment.
Iran announced the formation of a temporary leadership committee. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched the ninth round of “Real Commitment 4” operations and reported shooting down multiple U.S. and Israeli drones. Iran warned that if energy facilities are attacked, it will strike regional oil and gas infrastructure.
Shipping data shows over 200 ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, including oil and liquefied gas carriers. An oil tanker was attacked and damaged along the Persian Gulf coast. Insurance brokers estimate war risk premiums could increase by 25%–50%.
Goldman Sachs estimates that if the Strait of Hormuz supply is fully disrupted for six weeks, oil prices could face an risk premium of $18 per barrel; if only 50% of supply is interrupted for one month, the premium could be about $4. International oil prices surged, with Brent Crude and WTI Crude Oil rising significantly at the start of trading. Many institutions believe that if oil prices approach $90 per barrel, global inflation and monetary policy paths will need to be reassessed.
Risk aversion has increased, with gold strengthening, the U.S. dollar remaining stable against the Japanese yen, and the dollar weakening against the Swiss franc. The euro fell below 1.18 against the dollar. Major Middle Eastern stock indices declined 4%–5% intraday, Iran’s stock market suspended trading, and several UAE exchanges announced temporary closures. According to CME “Fed Watch,” the probability of the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady in March is 93.6%, with markets still betting on no policy changes in the short term.
The U.S. Capitol will implement enhanced security measures. The UK reported an explosion at a British military base in Cyprus. Some areas in northern Pakistan have imposed curfews. The EU announced plans to deploy additional ships to strengthen security in the Red Sea and Gulf regions. Analysts believe the key variables are:
- Whether the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked;
- Whether the conflict expands to a broader region;
- Whether rising energy prices reignite global inflation expectations.
If energy transportation remains smooth, markets may see a temporary recovery; if oil and gas supplies are substantially impacted, global asset prices could experience further volatility.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
MICA Daily｜Exchange liquidity dries up, BTC trend continues to weaken
The latest US CPI data released aligns with market expectations, but due to the impact of the Middle East situation, market reactions are muted. The US stock indices fluctuate, and BTC prices hover around $70,000. Although it appears stable in the short term, market sentiment remains pessimistic, and whether the price can stay above $70,000 in the future remains uncertain, mainly depending on the development of the Middle East situation. Meanwhile, Binance's net flow data shows that investors withdraw BTC during market downturns, but selling pressure still exists.
区块客28m ago
JPMorgan: High oil prices may prompt some Asian central banks to adopt hawkish monetary policies
JPMorgan economists have pointed out that persistently high oil prices could prompt some Asian central banks to adopt hawkish policies, especially Singapore and Malaysia, while the likelihood of Indonesia and the Philippines cutting interest rates decreases. Fiscal policy will become the first line of defense against trade shocks, and the Bank of Korea's decision to raise interest rates will depend on the impact of oil prices on inflation.
GateNews1h ago
Software giant Atlassian plans to lay off 1,600 employees, approximately 10% of its global workforce
Gate News Report, March 12, 2024: Software giant Atlassian plans to cut 1,600 jobs, approximately 10% of its global workforce. The move aims to respond to the rise of artificial intelligence and the overall slowdown in the industry. The Sydney-based company's founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, explained the layoff decision in an internal memo and also announced that the company's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will be departing.
GateNews3h ago
The United States releases 172 million barrels of strategic oil! Iran warns oil prices could rise to $200
The U.S. Secretary of Energy announced plans to coordinate the release of 400 million barrels of oil to counter Iran's threats, with the release of 172 million barrels being the largest in history. Market reactions to this move are uncertain, and oil prices remain affected by the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, oil price fluctuations will impact the Bitcoin market, potentially increasing inflationary pressures and limiting liquidity. The United States plans to replenish the released oil within a year, which should not have a long-term impact on energy security.
MarketWhisper3h ago
Gate Daily (March 12): Wells Fargo submits WFUSD application; Ledger reveals MediaTek chip leak of recovery phrases
Bitcoin temporarily reports $69,980, driven by CPI data. Wells Fargo applies for WFUSD trademark to explore crypto business, Ledger reveals MediaTek chip vulnerability. U.S. stocks mostly close lower as markets focus on Middle East tensions. Investor sentiment remains stable, with overall performance flat.
MarketWhisper4h ago
Why did Bitcoin rise today? CPI met expectations, and the Federal Reserve confirmed no change in policy
The US February Consumer Price Index met expectations, prompting Bitcoin prices to rebound to around $70,000. The CPI report reduced market uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, which is favorable for risk assets. Despite global market pressures, Bitcoin continues to benefit from short-term sentiment improvement, but rising energy prices could reignite inflation and impact liquidity. $72,000 is an important resistance level for Bitcoin; a breakthrough is needed for further upward movement.
MarketWhisper5h ago
