Major Gulf markets in red on Iran jitters

Major stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Thursday, as concerns grew that the US could launch military action against Iran, raising fears that the Gulf nations would be the first targets for Iranian retaliation, reports Reuters.
The deployment of a US aircraft carrier and supporting warships to the Middle East this week has broadened US President Donald Trump's options for potential military action, following his repeated threats to intervene over Iran's crackdown.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index eased 0.1 per cent, hit by a 0.4 per cent fall in Al Rajhi Bank and a 2 per cent decline in ACWA Power.
In mid-January, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt urged Washington not to carry out a strike on Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Tehran.