US-Israel-Iran War Escalates, Global Markets Plunge

A five-day-old war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has caused significant global market turmoil. Israel is targeting Iranian leadership and security forces, while Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could last a month or longer and ordered the United States===U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance for maritime trade, with the United States===United States Navy potentially escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical event has led to a more than 3% increase in oil prices (Brent Crude, West Texas Intermediate), with a 15% jump since the war began. Asian markets, particularly South Korea's KOSPI, plunged over 12% due to energy security concerns and reliance on fuel imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw significant share drops. European Union===European markets showed some stability, while U.S. indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite experienced losses. Analysts fear prolonged conflict could lead to higher inflation, potentially limiting the United States===Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates. Gasoline prices in the U.S. have also surged. Gold and Silver prices rose as safe-haven assets.