Japanese media editors shifted focus from the World Baseball Classic to escalating economic consequences of the Iran conflict throughout March 9th. Morning coverage reported Mojtaba Khamenei's selection as Iran's new Supreme Leader following his father's death in U.S.-Israeli attacks, with conservative outlets emphasizing his hardline stance. By early afternoon, editors tracked crude oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel, triggering market volatility as the Nikkei average began a sharp decline. Evening coverage detailed the economic impact intensifying, with oil reaching $118 per barrel, gasoline purchase limits considered, and the Nikkei plunging over 4,200 yen. Late night reporting focused on G7 finance ministers agreeing to coordinate strategic oil reserve releases as the Dow Jones fell sharply.
