Trump Turns on Allies Over Iran War | The Asia Trade 3/18/2026

A live financial broadcast from Tokyo and Sydney opened Asia’s trading day on March 18, 2026, focusing on geopolitical tensions after a U.S. policy shift on Iran escalated global market volatility. Hosts Shery Ahn and Haidi Stroud-Watts led discussions with industry leaders, analyzing how the U.S. stance against allies over Iran could disrupt trade flows and energy markets across Asia. Key segments highlighted immediate market reactions, including currency fluctuations and commodity price surges, as investors weighed risks of broader Middle East conflict. Experts warned of potential supply chain disruptions, particularly in oil and tech sectors, if sanctions or military actions intensify under the new U.S. policy direction. The program emphasized Asia’s exposure to geopolitical shocks, urging regional businesses to reassess risk strategies amid rising uncertainty in U.S.-allied relations.