Asian Stocks Rebound on Delayed US-Iran Strikes

Asian stock markets rebounded Tuesday, with Japan's benchmark indexes leading gains amid signs of potential de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict, following President Donald Trump's announcement that he would delay planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

The Nikkei 225 index climbed 1.4 percent to close at 52,252.28, recovering from a 3.5 percent drop the previous day. The broader Topix index rose 2.1 percent to 3,559.67, ending a two-day losing streak. Investors welcomed Trump's decision to postpone attacks on Iran's power plants and energy facilities for an additional five days, citing productive conversations with Iranian officials aimed at resolving hostilities. The move eased immediate fears of further escalation, which had driven up oil prices and pressured regional economies reliant on Middle East energy imports.

The conflict, which erupted in late February, has centered on Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Over the weekend, Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran fully reopen the strait, threatening to "obliterate" its power infrastructure if unmet. Traffic through the strait has slowed sharply,...