Middle East tensions

October 7, 2026 10:26 AM

RBI set to announce repo rate decision amid geopolitical tensions

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, is set to announce its bi-monthly interest rate decision on Wednesday amid challenging conditions, including rising inflation and crude oil prices above USD 100 a barrel, driven by tensions in the Middle East. The six-member committee will conclude its three-day review against the backdrop of rising domestic inflation and shifting global macroeconomic conditions. Economists expect the RBI to...

September 9, 2026 4:25 PM

Sensex Under Pressure as Brent Crude Tops $100 on Middle East Tensions

Indian equity markets extended their decline for the third consecutive session on Wednesday as escalating US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude prices to the crucial $100-per-barrel mark, raising concerns over inflation and the broader economic outlook. The benchmark Sensex fell 813.35 points, or 1.08 per cent, to settle at 74,764.23, while the Nifty declined 203.60 points, or 0.86 per cent, to close at 23,431.50. Commenting on Nifty technical outlook, experts said that 23,550–23,600 now remai...

September 9, 2026 9:57 AM

Sensex, Nifty open lower amid escalating crude oil prices, Middle East tensions

Domestic equity benchmarks opened lower on Wednesday, down about 0.5 per cent each with information technology stocks leading losses as investors remained cautious amid higher crude oil prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Nifty 50 opened more than 100 points lower at 23,522.05, while Sensex fell over 350 points to 75,216.22. Sector-wise, Nifty IT fell 3 per cent which was the worst-performing sectoral index in early deals, while Infosys dropped 3.34 per cent, Tech Mahindra fell...

June 7, 2026 10:38 AM

US eyes Iranian assets for Gulf allies’ reconstruction

The U.S. government will attempt to redirect Iranian assets to Gulf states for rebuilding and repairs of damage caused by Iran, a source familiar with the matter said, as Tehran followed up a wave of strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain with further drone launches. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has directed a team to assess costs for damages already inflicted on Gulf allies by Iran, the source said, adding that the U.S. will consider using Iranian assets for repairs ofany future destructi...

May 28, 2026 10:00 AM

Missile and drone attacks trigger air defense response in Kuwait

Kuwait’s air defenses are responding to hostile missile and drone attacks, according to the General Staff of the Army on early Thursday morning. The military said the explosion sounds heard by residents are the result of air defense systems intercepting incoming threats. Authorities urged the public to follow all security and safety instructions issued by the relevant agencies. The developments come amid a sharp escalation in regional tensions, including fresh U.S. strikes in and around sout...

March 15, 2026 1:08 PM

UAE on high alert after Iran warning as US strikes Kharg Island

The United Arab Emirates remains on heightened security alert as tensions escalate across West Asia following United States strikes on Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export hub in the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed several military targets on the island but avoided striking the oil export infrastructure. Iranian authorities have not yet released a detailed assessment of the damage, though the island remains a critical centre for Iran’s oil exports and...

March 4, 2026 5:21 PM

Sensex slumps to 10-month low, Nifty hits over six-month low amid Middle East tensions

Indian stock markets fell for the third straight session on Wednesday as investors remained cautious over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. The uncertainty kept traders on edge and triggered selling across sectors. The Nifty ended the day 1.6 per cent lower, falling 385.2 points to close at 24,480.5. The Sensex also witnessed heavy selling, dropping 1,122.66 points, or 1.40 per cent, to settle at 79,116.19. “Immediat...

August 31, 2025 8:35 AM

Prime Minister of Yemen’s Houthi-run government killed in Israeli strike

The prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi-run government and several other ministers were killed in an Israeli strike on the capital Sanaa, the head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council said on Saturday, in the first such attack to kill senior officials. A number of others were wounded in Thursday’s strike, Mahdi al-Mashat added, without providing details. Israel said on Friday that the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned group’s chief of staff, defence minister and oth...

June 13, 2025 3:22 PM

Shadow of War Falls Over Strait of Hormuz After Israel Strikes Iran

Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders during the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran, which has denied such intentions, has in the past threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz for traffic in retaliation to Western pressure. Experts have said that any closure of the strait could restrict trade and impact global oil prices. Below are de...