Gulf stock markets fell slightly as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its third week.

PANews reported on March 15th that, according to Jinshi, most Gulf stock markets fell slightly on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index fell as much as 0.8%, with Rajhi Bank down 0.9% and Saudi National Bank, Saudi Arabia's largest lender, down 1.9%; the Qatar index fell 0.5%, with Qatar National Bank, the region's largest lender by assets, down 1.3%; Bahrain's benchmark stock index fell 0.3%; and Oman's benchmark stock index fell 0.4%. The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has now entered its third week, with US President Trump threatening further strikes against Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub, while Iran has vowed to retaliate. Furthermore, three sources familiar with the situation said that the Trump administration rejected efforts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. Trump also called on allies to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial to global energy supplies.