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

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares slump on chipmaker drag, bonds cheer cooler inflation MKTS/GLOB

* Oil prices turn lower as traders weigh impact of renewed US strikes on Iran O/R

* PRECIOUS-Gold falls as Mideast escalation dims hopes of easing inflation GOL/

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets subdued as US-Iran tensions escalate .MIDEAST

* US launches multiple strikes on Iran, which retaliates against US targets in region nL6N43I009

* Goldman Sachs says Gulf oil flow recovery uncertain amid renewed attacks nL4N43H08G

SAUDI ARABIA

* China's Zhenhua books first Saudi crude cargo for new joint venture refinery, sources say nL4N43H0B2

* Airbus in talks to sell jets to Flynas, sources say nL4N43H1Y0

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* EXCLUSIVE-Former DP World boss Bin Sulayem takes charge of Malaysia MMC Port, memo shows nL4N43H0K7

* UAE's Fujairah first-half 2026 bunker sales plummet amid US-Iran war nL4N41O0FC

KUWAIT

* US approves potential $484 million sale of military aircraft sustainment to Kuwait nO8N40E01D