Asia-Pacific markets were set to open subdued Monday, as the escalating Israel-Iran tensions weigh down investors' sentiment. Oil prices jumped as Israel and Iran exchanged strikes, while gold prices rallied, as investors sought refuge in the safe haven metal with equity markets sliding globally. The attacks continued over the weekend.

Iran has asked Cyprus to convey "some messages" to Israel, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, adding he expected to speak to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day. He did not say who specifically the messages were from or what they said,