Stock indices across Australia, Japan, Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong and Korea fell up to 0.90 per cent. Gift Nifty was down 21 points or 0.08 per cent at 25,001.50, hinting at a muted start for the market.

Investors brace for a surge in oil prices, pressure on stocks and volatility across financial markets after the U.S. bombs Iran's nuclear sites.

The oil market has been wrestling for days with Donald Trump’s next act in an escalating Middle East conflict. Now American jets have struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites, a move that leaves traders preparing for a price surge — but still guessing where the crisis goes from here.