Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian stocks gain on drop in US inflation rate MKTS/GLOB

* Oil prices rise as hostilities worsen in the Middle East O/R

* PRECIOUS-Gold slips as oil rally keeps inflation, rate outlook on investors' radar GOL/

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf bourses retreat on US-Iran hostilities .MIDEAST

* Trump resumes Iran port blockade and threatens strikes on energy targets nL6N43G0EJ

* Iran-linked vessels pass through Hormuz ahead of US blockade nL1N43H027

SAUDI ARABIA

* Crude shipments from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port near maximum levels amid Houthi tensions nL8N43G1M1

OMAN

* Ooredoo Oman Qtrly Net Profit 3.8 Million Rials nFWN43G0UL

EGYPT

* Egypt's parliament formalises economic powers of military-linked body nL6N43G0XA