Iran's retaliation escalates! Global asset fluctuations!

MetaMuskRat · 2026-03-21T10:01:15+00:00

Middle East tensions are escalating, causing noticeable fluctuations in financial markets. Brent crude oil surged to $119 at one point but has since retreated to $114.42; stock markets are broadly declining with major indices down over 2%. Cryptocurrencies and gold have also experienced sharp selloffs, particularly bitcoin and gold prices have declined significantly. Iran has issued warnings that if attacked, it will retaliate against U.S. and allied energy facilities. Trump has denied involvement in attacks on Iran. These tensions are triggering strong market reactions.

MetaMuskRat

2026-03-21 10:01:15

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Middle East tensions escalate, causing increased volatility in financial markets.

Brent crude oil briefly surged to $119 per barrel before pulling back, currently up 6.56% at $114.42 per barrel.

Major European stock indices mostly declined, with the UK FTSE 100 and Germany DAX down over 2%, and France’s CAC 40 down 1.76%.

Cryptocurrencies suffered a broad decline, with Bitcoin at $70,214 per coin, down 5% in the past 24 hours; Ethereum fell to $2,177.10, down 5.83% in the same period.

Spot gold experienced a sharp plunge during trading. As of press time, spot gold dropped over 4% to $4,690.39 per ounce.

According to CCTV News, a spokesperson from Iran’s Hatham Anbia Central Command of the armed forces stated that Iran’s military operations of attack and defense are ongoing with unprecedented intensity.

He said attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure is a serious mistake, and Iran’s counterattack is underway and not yet finished. If such incidents occur again, Iran will launch further attacks on the energy infrastructure of the US, Israel, and their allies until it is completely destroyed. Iran’s counterattack will be far more forceful than before.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social platform “Truth Social” on the 18th that the U.S. was “not aware” of Israel’s attack on Iran’s oil and gas facilities, and Qatar was not involved in any way or form, nor did it foresee this happening.

According to Israeli officials, the attack was coordinated with the United States.

U.S. officials stated that Trump was informed in advance of Israel’s attack on the South Pars gas field in Iran on the 18th and expressed support, viewing it as a signal to the Iranian government regarding the actual closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It is understood that Trump hopes Israel will not launch further airstrikes on Iran’s energy facilities. U.S. officials said Trump believes Iran has received this message, and he now opposes continuing airstrikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. They also mentioned that Trump might consider attacking more Iranian energy facilities again in the future, depending on Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Israel, the airstrike was carried out by the Israeli Air Force, which is also prepared to attack other Iranian infrastructure. On the same day, Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, posted on social media that oil facilities related to the U.S. would be on the same level as U.S. military bases and would suffer severe attacks.

Compiled from: CCTV News

Proofread by: Liu Xingying

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