US Central Command reports successful completion of ninth consecutive evening of strikes against Iran, targets include Iranian military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites

• Targeted communication networks to further diminish Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The news of the US Central Command's ongoing strikes against Iran highlights a significant escalation in geopolitical tensions, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. This military action may lead to increased volatility in energy prices, particularly WTI crude, and could strengthen demand for safe-haven assets like gold, while consequently impacting USD and JPY movement in the forex market as investors react to rising risks.