Global markets recoil as Marco Rubio warns war in Iran could stretch for weeks - Financial Times

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that a potential war with Iran could extend for weeks, prompting a sharp decline in global financial markets. The statement reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East and signals the Trump administration's readiness to consider extended military operations in the region. Markets typically sell off when geopolitical conflict appears imminent, as investors flee to safer assets amid uncertainty about oil supplies, defense spending, and broader economic disruption. Rubio's comments suggest the administration views Iran as a significant enough threat to publicly discuss extended warfare scenarios. The warning underscores how military rhetoric from senior U.S. officials can immediately ripple through equity, currency, and commodity markets worldwide.