US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran | Horizons Middle East & Africa 7/16/2026

Published 16 July 2026 · finance

Global markets are closely tracking another escalation in the Middle East after the US launched fresh strikes on Iran. President Trump said Iran is eager

Global markets are closely tracking another escalation in the Middle East after the US launched fresh strikes on Iran. President Trump said Iran is eager to reach a settlement but also signaled he is leaning toward expanding US military operations. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country's national security depends on its Strait of Hormuz strategy, while Vice President JD Vance said the US will not deploy ground troops. Investors continue to weigh prospects for peace against persistent risks around the Strait of Hormuz, as the International Energy Agency warns the global economy remains vulnerable to energy disruptions. In financial markets, traders pushed expectations for the next Federal Reserve rate hike back to December, while South Korea raised interest rates for the first time since 2023.

The KOSPI declined as SK Hynix and Samsung extended their losses, and Seoul announced new measures targeting leveraged ETFs. In technology and business, Apple received approval to launch AI-powered iPhone features in China through partnerships with Alibaba and Baidu. TSMC and ASML face closely watched earnings reports as investors scrutinize AI spending, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the Vera Rubin platform remains on track. Anthropic is preparing investor meetings ahead of a potential blockbuster IPO. Elsewhere, Dangote ended Naira pricing for refined petroleum products, a move that could increase pressure on Nigeria's currency. The US lifted additional sanctions to support Syria's economic recovery, Dubai developer Mohamed Alabbar announced plans to invest $20 billion in Syria, and Gulf investment continues flowing into the country as regional powers seek to reduce Iran's influence.

Guests include Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director; Angelina Lai, St. James’s Place Asia & Middle East CIO; Jean-Paul Van Oudheusden, eToro Market Analyst; and Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties Managing Director & Founder. Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:50 - US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran 00:08:18 - Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director 00:12:18 - Angelina Lai, ST. James’s Place Asia & Middle East CIO 00:19:18 - Dangote Ends Naira Pricing for Refined Oil Products 00:27:09 - TSMC Earning a Crucial Test for AI Spending Scrutiny 00:31:25 - Jean-Paul Van Oudheusden, eToro Market Analyst 00:37:01 - Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties Managing Director & Founder 00:41:01 - US Repeals Sanctions to Foster Syrian Economic Growth 00:44:25 - Jensen Huang, Nvidia President and CEO More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video?