Reported from the source

Quick summary: The ongoing Iran conflict continues to dominate global financial markets, with Iran’s new religious leader, Modschtaba Chamenei, announcing the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and attacks on neighboring states will persist. This follows reports of the strait being mined and recent attacks damaging three ships, including two oil tankers where at least one crew member died. The conflict is expected to trigger a new price shock in the semiconductor industry. Separately, Deutsche Bank’s 2025 business report, released Thursday, highlighted a €695 million lawsuit from ex-managers and employee bonuses reaching their highest level since 2014.

The repercussions of the Iran war are the prevailing topic across global financial markets this Thursday. Modschtaba Chamenei, Iran’s new religious leader and son of the slain predecessor Ali Chamenei, issued his first official statement on Thursday, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. This was reported by Iranian state media, which also stated that Chamenei announced continued attacks on neighboring states in the Persian Gulf. The critical Strait of Hormuz is currently deemed impassable, partly due to reports alleging that Iran has mined the waterway. On Thursday night, three ships in the Persian Gulf sustained damage from Iranian attacks. Additionally, fires erupted on two oil tankers off the Iraqi coast, resulting in the death of at least one crew member. Markus Hinterberger, Handelsblatt’s chief reporter for investments and markets, discussed these impacts in a market report. Today-Host Anis Micijevic and Handelsblatt chip industry reporter Joachim Hofer also examined the semiconductor industry, where the war in the Middle East threatens to cause the next price shock. Another topic covered in the podcast was Deutsche Bank’s 2025 business report, published on Thursday. Two significant points emerged: first, a lawsuit from four former managers demanding €695 million in damages from Deutsche Bank; and second, employee bonuses, which have climbed to their highest level since 2014. Handelsblatt banking reporter Dennis Schwarz provided background on these developments.

Source: www.handelsblatt.com