US-Iran war, March 2 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices Nifty 50 and Sensex are likely to open sharply lower on Monday following a dramatic escalation in West Asia that has unsettled global markets. A coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran has significantly intensified geopolitical tensions, further denting already fragile investor risk appetite.

According to media reports, the joint operation led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been at the helm of the country for more than three decades.

Iran has responded with significant force, reportedly launching missile and drone strikes against Israel and several Gulf states - including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi A...