Business · Markets · 1 day ago
Most Gulf stock markets fall as investors watch Iran tensions
Most Gulf stock markets closed lower as investors waited for signs of whether US President Donald Trump would order new attacks on Iran.
Saudi Arabia's index fell 0.8%, while those in Kuwait, Oman and Qatar each lost between 0.2% and 0.5%.
Bahrain's index rose 0.3%, and Egypt's main index fell 0.7%.
The market moves came amid reports of explosions at several sites in southern Iran, including Qeshm Island.
Iran's navy said two tankers caught fire after hitting mines in a route it described as prohibited.
It remains unclear whether the reported explosions and the tanker incidents are connected, and investors are watching for further signs of escalation.
Most Gulf stock markets fell at the close as investors watched for signs of possible new US attacks on Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s index fell 0.8%, while those in Muscat and Kuwait declined 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively.
Qatar’s index closed down 0.5% after reducing earlier losses, while Bahrain’s index rose 0.3%.
Iranian television reports said explosions occurred at several sites in southern Iran the previous evening, including Qeshm Island.
Iran’s navy said two tankers caught fire after being hit by mines, but it was unclear whether the maritime and land incidents were connected.
- Who
- Gulf stock markets and investors monitoring Iran tensions.
- What
- Most Gulf markets fell at the close, while Bahrain’s index rose.
- When
- The market session covered in the report; it was published on 8 November 2026.
- Where
- Gulf stock markets; reports also described incidents in southern Iran.
- Why
- Investors awaited indications on whether US President Donald Trump would order new attacks on Iran.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Iranian television reports said explosions occurred at several sites in southern Iran, including Qeshm Island.
Iran’s navy said two tankers caught fire after being hit by mines in a path it described as prohibited.
Most Gulf stock markets fell as investors awaited signs of possible new US attacks on Iran.
- Saudi index
- Fell 0.8%
- Muscat Stock Exchange
- Fell 0.2%
- Kuwait Stock Exchange
- Fell 0.5%
- Bahrain index
- Rose 0.3%
- Qatar index
- Closed down 0.5%
- Reported tanker fires
- Two tankers reportedly caught fire after being hit by mines