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-Shares falter, oil gains as Gulf hostilities heat up MKTS/GLOB

* Oil surges after Iran targets US airbase in retaliation O/R

* PRECIOUS-Gold hits two-month low as US-Iran tension stokes inflation fears GOL/

* Iran and US trade air strikes after Trump dismisses report of Hormuz deal nL6N42509L

* US Treasury sanctions Iran's Hormuz strait authority nL1N42501K

* Three oil, LNG tankers exit Hormuz with transponders off nL1N42503W

* Kuwait says air defences intercepting hostile missile, drone attacks nL1N42502W

* Palestinians mourn slain Hamas militant chief as Israel escalates Gaza attacks nL1N4240FF


SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi Arabia to provide Yemen with $150 million worth of oil derivatives nS8N3Y7076


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* First Abu Dhabi Bank exposed to insolvencies of Mfs-linked properties – FT nFWN4240L1


QATAR

* Australia's ACCC issues draft determination to IAG Cargo, MAB Kargo and Qatar Airways Group nFWN4230T4


LEBANON

* Israel declares new swathe of Lebanon 'a combat zone,' warns residents to leave nL6N42413V

* US extends Temporary Protected Status for Lebanon until November nL6N4240YE