Asian stock markets opened lower today as investors grew increasingly concerned about escalating tensions in the Middle East after U.S. military forces launched strikes on Iran in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter.
As of 9:57 local time in Bangkok, Japan’s Nikkei Index fell 1.12%. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong dropped 1.04%, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.69%. South Korea’s KOSPI Index fell by 3.7%, and Australia’s ASX 200 Index gained 0.33%.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces had launched strikes on Iran on Tuesday, following the shooting down of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter on Monday.
CENTCOM posted on the X platform that the attacks began at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, under orders from President Trump.
Following the U.S. announcement, Iranian media reported hearing several explosions in the early morning, and Iran’s air defense systems were activated in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Sirik County, and Jask County in southern Iran.
President Donald Trump told ABC News after the commencement of the U.S. strikes that the attacks were very severe and very powerful.
Previously on Tuesday, President Trump had accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and pledged retaliation.
While Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for the incident accused by President Trump, the recent situation has impacted the fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran and may hinder progress in peace talks aimed at ending the war.
