Asian Stock Markets Plunge Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Kathmandu. As the escalating tension and war between the United States and Iran enter their fourth week, its direct impact is being seen in Asian stock markets. Major stock markets across Asia experienced a sharp decline at the start of trading on Monday.

Fear has spread among investors after both countries warned of further intensifying the war against each other. As a result, Japan's main market index, the Nikkei 225, fell by 4.8 percent at the start of trading.

Similarly, South Korea's stock market was also severely affected. Its main index, the KOSPI, saw a decline of more than 5.5 percent.

Amid the uncertainty of the war, there has also been volatility in international crude oil prices. The price of benchmark Brent Crude fell by 0.8 percent to $111.25 (83.48 pounds) per barrel. Meanwhile, the price of US crude oil remained stable at $98.18.

According to experts, the growing military tension in the Middle East has added uncertainty to the global economy. BBC