Asia markets slip as oil rises after Trump Iran warning

Financial markets across Asia retreated and oil prices surged on Monday, reacting to heightened geopolitical tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran. The market movements followed a social media post from Trump stating that the "clock is ticking" for Tehran, as negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the ongoing conflict have stalled.

Major indexes in the region declined. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.9 percent, led by technology-related stocks, pulling back from record intraday highs set last week. South Korea's Kospi, after briefly trading lower, closed 0.9 percent higher. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index lost 1.6 percent, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 1.4 percent. Other markets in Taiwan, India, and mainland China also edged lower.

The warning from Trump followed a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In his post, Trump told Iran to get moving "FAST" or face consequences. This rhetoric amplified investor concerns over the security of global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil shipments which remains mostly closed. The United States has maintained a sea blockade on Iranian...