New Delhi, Mar 2 (.) Domestic equity benchmarks opened sharply lower on Monday morning, with the 30-share BSE Sensex tumbling 770.47 points or 0.95 per cent to trade at 80,516.72 around 9:39 am amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.

The index had settled at 81,287.19 in the previous session.

The Sensex opened significantly weak at 78,543.73 and touched an early high of 80,611.22 before witnessing renewed selling pressure.

The index also recorded a low of 78,543.73 in early trade, indicating heightened volatility at the start of the week.

The benchmark remains below its 52-week high of 86,159.02, while staying well above the 52-week low of 71,425.01.

Similarly, the broader Nifty 50 index slipped 210.95 points or 0.84 per cent to 24,967.70, falling below psychologically crucial 25,000 mark.

The index had closed at 25,178.65 in the previous session.

The Nifty opened at 24,659.25 and moved in a range of 24,645.10 to 24,977.60 in early deals.

The benchmark remains below its 52-week high of 26,373.20 but comfortably above the 52-week low of 21,743.65.

The sharp decline in both indices suggests broad-based selling in the opening session, with volatility evident in the early hours of trade.

. SAS IM