13 March 2026
Escalating tensions across the Middle East dominated markets today as Israel’s military campaign reached what analysts call a “devastating new phase” in Lebanon, while Muslim worshippers were forced to pray outside Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound amid Israeli closures on al-Quds Day. Oil surged nearly 4% to over $99 as fears mounted over potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts warning that traditional tools like strategic petroleum reserve releases won’t be enough if Iran follows through on threats to the critical shipping lane.
The energy shock rippled through global markets, with mortgage rates in the US jumping to seven-month highs as bond yields climbed on war premiums. In the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves moved to announce emergency support for households facing surging heating oil costs, while petrol retailers accused ministers of using “inflammatory language” over fuel pricing disputes. Precious metals diverged sharply - gold fell 2% while silver plunged over 5% as investors rotated into energy and defensive plays.
Cryptocurrency markets showed resilience with Bitcoin gaining 0.6% to nearly \(71,000, while the tokenized Treasury market hit a record \)11 billion as Circle overtook BlackRock in the space. However, crypto banking faced setbacks as Custodia’s years-long battle for Federal Reserve access ended in defeat, just days after the Fed granted limited privileges to Kraken.
Meanwhile, humanitarian crises deepened across the region as drone strikes on a Sudanese market killed 11 civilians, adding to over 200 deaths in recent days as the air war’s toll on non-combatants continues mounting across multiple conflict zones.
References
- The Crouching 45:13
- Makaatib -
- An Noor - النُّورُ - The Light
- First image emerges of Andrew, Mandelson and Epstein together
- Petrol retailers in row with government over ‘rip off’ accusations
- Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case believes they know kidnapper’s motive
- Court closes Custodia fight with Federal Reserve just as Fed opens master-account door
- Circle overtakes BlackRock in tokenized Treasuries as market hits record $11 billion
- Arthur Hayes: Strong Revenue and Real Trading Could Send HYPE to $150
- Can I run AI locally?
- Show HN: Channel Surfer – Watch YouTube like it’s cable TV
- I Found 39 Algolia Admin Keys Exposed Across Open Source Documentation Sites
- DOJ to appeal judge’s decision to block Fed subpoenas in Powell criminal probe
- Mortgage rates surge to highest since September, hitting spring housing market
- Analysis: The U.S. is running out of ways to get oil prices down. It is up to the military.
- UK petrol retailers claim ‘inflammatory language’ of ministers led to staff abuse
- Rachel Reeves to set out extra support for UK households facing surge in heating oil costs
- UK signs ‘rebooted’ defence agreement to protect Irish waters
- Digg lays off staff and shuts down app as company retools
- Nyne, founded by a father-son duo, gives AI agents the human context they’re missing
- Facebook makes it easier for creators to report impersonators
- Worshippers pray outside Al-Aqsa amid closure on al-Quds Day
- Drone attack on market in Sudan kills 11, as air war civilian toll mounts
- Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon reaches devastating new phase
- Worshippers pray outside Al-Aqsa amid closure on al-Quds Day | #ajshorts
- Israel strikes Beirut & Tehran | US-Israel war on Iran Escalates in Week 3
- Will US President Donald Trump target Cuba next? | BBC Americast
- AI toys for children misread emotions and respond inappropriately, researchers warn. #BBCNews
- Fmr. Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher of Powell investigation: Pirro will lose these appeals
Comments
Login to add a comment
Israel strikes both Beirut and Tehran as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its third week, with worshippers forced to pray outside Al-Aqsa after Israeli authorities closed the holy site on al-Quds Day. Oil holds at \(99.31 while Bitcoin stabilizes around \)70,800 as markets assess the expanding regional conflict.
Iran’s missile strike hits central Israel setting buildings ablaze while oil surges 3.7% to $99.31 as analysts warn military action may be needed against Strait of Hormuz threat. Mortgage rates hit seven-month highs as Iran war drives bond yields higher, threatening housing markets.
US military analysis warns Iran’s Strait of Hormuz threat requires military action as strategic oil releases prove insufficient, with oil surging 3.7% to $99.31. Mortgage rates hit seven-month highs as Iran war drives bond yields higher, threatening UK and US housing markets.
Circle overtakes BlackRock in tokenized treasuries as that market hits record \(11 billion, while Bitcoin drops 3.5% from near \)74,000 to \(71,000 on fresh Iran escalation fears. Oil surges 3.4% to \)98.96 as Iran’s missile strike on central Israel sets buildings ablaze.
Qatar’s interior minister declares security situation ‘stable’ despite ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, while DOJ appeals judge’s decision blocking criminal probe subpoenas against Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Oil climbs 2.4% to $98 as mortgage rates hit seven-month highs due to Iran war pushing bond yields higher.
Rachel Reeves announces extra UK support for households facing surging heating oil costs due to Middle East conflict, while US military reportedly considers seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 races set for cancellation as regional tensions escalate further.
BBC News reports US military wants to seize Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal, marking potential major escalation in Iran conflict. Oil surges 2.3% to $97.96 as analysts warn Iran’s Strait of Hormuz threat cannot be solved through strategic petroleum reserve releases alone.
All six crew members confirmed dead after US refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, marking deadliest single incident for American forces in the Iran conflict. Bitcoin dropped 3.5% from near \(74,000 to \)71,000 as fresh escalation fears grip markets despite oil climbing back to $97.
US announces sanctions on 6 individuals and 2 companies that laundered $800 million in cryptocurrency for North Korea, marking significant enforcement action against crypto-based sanctions evasion. Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel reveals talks with US amid Trump threats as Washington tightens oil blockade on the island nation.
Bitcoin breaks above \(73,500 for new all-time high as crypto markets surge across the board, with Ethereum and Solana both gaining over 6%. Oil drops 2% to \)93.82 despite ongoing Iran tensions as markets digest strategic reserve releases.
Bitcoin breaks above \(73,000 for the first time as all major cryptocurrencies surge despite ongoing Middle East conflicts. Oil drops to \)93.78 following IEA’s announcement to release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves amid Iran war escalation.
IEA announces release of 400 million barrels from strategic oil reserves as Iran war escalates, causing oil prices to drop 2% to $93.78. Four US troops killed in military aircraft crash in western Iraq while RAF Typhoon jets extend operations to protect Bahrain from Iranian attacks.
Air attack strikes Tehran during al-Quds Day rally, killing at least one person as Iranian tensions escalate further. Oil drops to \(93 despite ongoing Middle East conflicts while Bitcoin surges above \)72,000.
Four US troops confirmed killed after refuelling aircraft downed in Iraq, with rescue operations ongoing. Oil holds above $100 as Trump states America has “ammunition and plenty of time” to fight Iran war.
Two drones struck Oman’s Sohar province killing two foreign nationals while several drones also targeted Saudi Arabia, marking dangerous expansion of regional conflict beyond previous theaters. Bitcoin rebounds to \(71,843 after yesterday's crash to \)60,000 as oil holds near $96 amid widening Middle East tensions.
French soldier killed in drone attack on joint French-Kurdish base in northern Iraq as regional conflict continues expanding beyond initial fronts. Oil prices climb to $97.58 amid ongoing Middle East tensions affecting energy markets.
Bitcoin crashes to \(60,000 before recovering to \)71,500 as global stock markets follow crypto’s lead downward. UK economy unexpectedly flatlined in January with zero growth as higher energy prices threaten inflation targets.
Iraq armed groups claim responsibility for downing US military refueling aircraft as America launches rescue efforts. BlackRock debuts new ethereum staking ETF with \(100 million in assets while XRP breaks above \)1.39 resistance level.
French soldier killed in Kurdish Iraq attack as oil holds above \(100 per barrel due to Iran's grip on Strait of Hormuz shipping. Bitcoin climbs above \)71,000 with major cryptocurrencies surging despite broader market tensions.
Israel drops charges against five soldiers accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee, while oil prices remain elevated above $95 amid Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
US launches trade investigations into 60 countries over forced labor practices while allowing temporary Russian oil purchases to stabilize energy markets. Iranian missiles hit northern Israel residential areas as UK troops shoot down Iranian drones at Iraq base.
Netanyahu claims Israeli strikes killed Iranian nuclear scientists, escalating tensions as Iran conflict spreads across the region. Bitcoin surges near $72,000 amid oil market volatility and growing geopolitical uncertainty.