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Global currency markets turned volatile Monday as investors rushed to safe-haven assets following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions fueled fears of a prolonged regional conflict, triggering sharp moves in the euro, Swiss franc, U.S. dollar, and oil prices.
The Swiss franc strengthened as risk aversion swept through markets, rising about 0.2% against the U.S. dollar to 0.7674 and jumping 0.6% versus the euro to 0.9030, its strongest level against the single currency since 2015. The euro slid 0.3% to $1.1781, pressured by concerns over Europe’s energy vulnerability. Analysts noted that with the EU entering its natural gas storage refill season at historically low levels, higher oil and gas prices could further weigh on the euro.
The U.S. dollar gained broadly as investors sought safety. The Japanese yen initially firmed but later weakened to 156.32 per dollar, constrained by Japan’s heavy reliance on imported oil. Risk-sensitive currencies also declined, with the Australian dollar dropping 0.7% to $0.7065. Sterling fell more than 0.5%, while China’s offshore yuan slipped 0.2%, reflecting China’s status as a major buyer of Iranian oil.
Oil prices surged roughly 9% in early Asian trading amid concerns over supply disruptions and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. Shipping data showed at least 150 tankers carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas anchored outside the Gulf, underscoring growing uncertainty in global energy markets.
Iran responded with reported strikes on U.S. and British oil tankers, while explosions were reported over Dubai and Doha. With Israel signaling further targets and U.S. officials suggesting the campaign could last weeks, financial markets remain on edge as investors closely monitor geopolitical developments and their impact on global oil prices and currency markets.
