Hong Kong-listed robotics stocks declined, with RoboSense (02498.HK) falling 10.17%, Yuejiang (02432.HK) down 5.10%, and UBTECH (09880.HK) down 4.23%.

The Finnish Foreign Minister recently stated that Finland is open to France's proposal to extend the nuclear umbrella to the whole of Europe, while emphasizing that this move would not replace the United States' nuclear deterrent force.

[Former US Defense Department Official: Sanctions Against Iran Won't Overthrow the Iranian Regime, But Will Severely Damage the Revolutionary Guard] Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Mulroy stated that the new round of sanctions against Iran aims to extend its impact far beyond Iran. He said, "This is what's called secondary sanctions. All countries, institutions, and entities that do business with Iran and have trade relations with it will be sanctioned. This includes other countries and financial institutions that handle Iranian financial transactions." Mulroy stated that Washington is also targeting Iranian infrastructure used to circumvent restrictions: "The US is also taking action against shadow fleets used to smuggle Iranian oil and circumvent sanctions." However, he stated that this strategy has limitations: "These measures will not overthrow the Iranian regime, but will deal a significant blow to it and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cutting off financial support to the organization." Mulroy linked the push for sanctions to a key US domestic political timeline. He stated, "I think the US chose this option rather than escalating military action before the US midterm elections because war is not particularly popular with the American public or in American public opinion." He added that if Iran attacks any regional allies or US targets, the current standoff "could escalate to the military level."

The Hang Seng Index (HSI) opened down 229.34 points, or 0.88%, at 25780.12 on Monday, August 24th; the Hang Seng Tech Index opened down 53.0 points, or 1.11%, at 4713.16 on Monday, August 24th; the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index opened down 84.99 points, or 0.98%, at 8549.35 on Monday, August 24th; and the Hang Seng Red Chip Index opened down 4.37 points, or 0.1%, at 4287.98 on Monday, August 24th.

According to Greek media reports, Athens deployed an air defense system to Crete after Iran threatened US military bases in Europe.

SoftBank will issue 1 trillion yen in bonds.