#IsraelIranConflict

Following Israel's military attack on Iran on Friday that targeted portions of its nuclear programme, Asia-Pacific markets saw a steep decline. The strike sparked concerns about a wider conflict, particularly after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened an impending Iranian missile and drone strike in retaliation. The Topix index fell 0.96% and Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.12% as regional markets reacted to the escalating geopolitical tensions. The tech-heavy Kosdaq fell 2.91%, while South Korea's Kospi fell 0.98%. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia fell 0.23%. In China, the CSI 300 dropped by the same amount as the Hang Seng index, which fell by 0.72%. India's markets also took a hit, as the BSE Sensex fell 1.42% and the Nifty 50 fell 1.01%. As markets feared escalating conflict, oil prices surged.