Iran War Enters Third Week, Gulf Stock Markets Decline

LootboxPhobia · 2026-03-15T14:02:26+00:00

As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran escalates, Gulf stock markets have broadly declined, with investors concerned about regional stability and energy supply. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index has fallen slightly, while markets in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman have also been affected. The conflict has even led to the cancellation of a Formula 1 racing event.

LootboxPhobia

2026-03-15 14:02:26

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Investing.com – As the US-Israel and Iran conflict enters its third week, most Gulf stock markets closed lower on Sunday, with concerns about regional stability and energy supplies intensifying.

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The conflict has disrupted energy flows, and after attacks on oil infrastructure and shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz, fears of further escalation in the region have grown.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that further strikes could target Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, while Tehran vowed to strengthen its response.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.1%, National Commercial Bank (TADAWUL:1180) declined 1.3%, while oil giant Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) rose 0.7%, as ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices higher.

In other regional markets, Qatar’s benchmark index dropped 0.2%, weighed down by a 1.3% decline in Qatar National Bank. Bahrain’s index fell 0.5%, Kuwait’s market declined 0.1%, and Oman’s benchmark index decreased 0.4%.

The escalating conflict has also affected regional activities, with Formula 1 announcing that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for April, will not be held due to security concerns.

Outside the Gulf region, Egypt’s blue-chip index declined 1.9%, dragged down by a 2.6% drop in Commercial International Bank Egypt (EGX:COMI).

This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

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