Iran Conflict | Asian Markets Plunge As Middle East Conflict Escalates And Oil Prices Surge

Asian markets tumbled sharply as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investor confidence and triggered a broad regional sell-off. Taiwan’s benchmark index plunged more than 1,000 points in early trade, falling over 3%, with technology and semiconductor stocks leading the decline. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped more than 3%, while South Korea’s KOSPI extended losses after a steep prior-session fall, even triggering a temporary trading curb. The sell-off spread across major Asian bourses as concerns mounted over the Strait of Hormuz and potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Oil prices climbed amid fears of supply constraints, adding to inflationary worries and pressuring equities worldwide. The volatility also hit Wall Street, as investors reduced risk exposure amid uncertainty over how long the conflict may continue. Rising gasoline prices and energy market instability have further intensified concerns about global economic stability.