FUYANG, CHINA - MARCH 23, 2026 - Stock investors are following the stock market situation at a securities trading hall in Fuyang, Anhui, China on March 23, 2026. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Asia-Pacific markets fell Thursday, tracking Wall Street losses overnight, as tensions between Iran and the U.S. keep oil prices elevated, stoking energy and inflation worries.

The Kuwait International Airport was struck by Iran early Wednesday, just a day after the U.S. Central Command said it had defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, as well as launched "self-defense strikes" on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. This was in response to "attempted attacks" by Tehran, it said.

If necessary, Israel and the U.S. are prepared to strike Iran again, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNBC in an exclusive interview.

"Israel is ready and the U.S. forces are ready. I think Iran should take that into account. I think they are taking into account, but they're playing with fire," Netanyahu said.