The "shockwave" of Middle East conflict hits! Saudi stock market opens with a sharp decline, Kuwait suspends trading! Strait of Hormuz shipping lane closed

“Black Swan” Attack.

On March 1, Middle Eastern stock markets opened sharply lower, with the Saudi All Share Index (TASI) dropping nearly 5% at the open. The decline later narrowed, and as of press time, the index was down 2.96%.

Previously, the Kuwait Stock Exchange announced a trading suspension on March 1.

On the news front, the United States and Israel launched a military strike against Iran on February 28, which Iran has retaliated against. According to Iranian media on March 1, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei was assassinated in an attack on the morning of February 28. The Iranian government issued a statement saying they will respond “with full strength and determination” to make the enemies “pay a painful price.” The statement declared a 40-day national mourning and a 7-day suspension of public institutions.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated that the “most intense offensive operation” is about to begin, targeting Israeli and U.S. bases.

Subsequently, Iranian media reported that after Khamenei’s death, the country will be led by President Raisi, the Minister of Justice, and a jurist from the Guardian Council.

Additionally, multiple sources from trading institutions said on February 28 that after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Several oil tanker owners and traders have paused shipments of crude oil, fuel, and liquefied natural gas through this strait. According to the German Shipowners’ Association, the shipping industry is facing an “acute operational crisis.”

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and is a vital route for oil exports from Middle Eastern oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE. About one-fifth of global oil transportation passes through this strait.

[Latest Developments]

Iranian Revolutionary Guard: Attacked 27 U.S. military bases and Israeli command centers

Around 8 a.m. local time on March 1, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued Announcement No. 6. The announcement stated that Iran has launched the sixth wave of “Operation True Commitment 4,” involving large-scale missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. military bases in the region.

The announcement said that 27 U.S. military bases in the region, as well as the Israeli General Staff headquarters in Hageria and a large defense industrial park in Tel Aviv, were targeted.

Iran releases list of some senior officers killed

Iranian media reported on March 1 that several senior Iranian officers were killed in the U.S. and Israeli attacks, including Major General Musa Vali, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mohammad Pakpour, Secretary of the Defense Council Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Naserzadeh. The names of other casualties will be announced later.

Trump claims diplomatic resolution to Iran will be “much easier than before”

Following the death of Khamenei in the U.S. and Israeli strikes, President Trump declared on the evening of February 28 that a diplomatic solution to Iran remains possible and will be “much easier.”

In an interview with CBS, Trump said, “Obviously, it’s much easier now (to resolve Iran diplomatically) than it was a day ago because they (Iran) have been heavily hit.”

Trump also mentioned that there are some “candidates” who could lead Iran, but he did not elaborate.

Regarding Iran’s counterattack, Trump said, “This was expected,” and that Iran’s response so far has been smaller than the U.S. and allies anticipated.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command posted on social media, “The Iranian regime has been warned,” and that U.S. forces are conducting military strikes against Iran as directed.

U.S. intelligence agencies tracked Khamenei’s movements for months before striking Iran

According to CCTV, on March 1, local time, U.S. intelligence agencies had already identified possible locations of Khamenei’s movements before the U.S. and Israel launched their military strikes on Iran.

Several informed sources revealed that U.S. intelligence had been tracking Khamenei’s activities for months, improving their understanding of his travel patterns and possible locations. Subsequently, U.S. officials learned that several high-ranking Iranian officials planned to hold a meeting in central Tehran on the morning of February 28, which Khamenei himself was expected to attend.

After obtaining this intelligence, the U.S. and Israel decided to adjust the timing of their planned attack.

Israel then carried out a targeted strike that had been planned for months. The operation was launched early on February 28 Israel time, with fighter jets taking off from bases, and about two hours later, long-range missiles hit targets in Tehran. It is reported that during the attack, several senior Iranian security officials were in the same building, while Khamenei was in a nearby structure.

The White House and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency have not commented on this.

U.S. military releases footage of Iran operation

On February 28, U.S. Central Command released videos showing U.S. fighter jets and naval vessels involved in the military operation against Iran. The White House also released photos of President Trump overseeing the U.S. military actions against Iran.