Asian stock indices closed mostly in positive territory on Thursday, while investor attention remained on tensions between Iran and the United States over ongoing conflict resolution efforts. Market sentiment was supported by overnight gains on Wall Street, though developments in geopolitical negotiations added a cautious undertone.
Japan’s Nikkei advanced 0.5%, and India’s NIFTY surged by 1.7%. Australia’s ASX200 increased by 0.1%, while China’s Shanghai Composite edged up 0.2%. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.59%.
The market rally followed comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who told local media that Tehran has no intention to engage directly with Washington. However, Araghchi confirmed that a U.S.-backed proposal to bring an end to the current conflict is under review by high-level Iranian officials. Communications between Tehran and Washington are occurring through third-party mediators, though Araghchi emphasized that these exchanges should not be interpreted as formal negotiations with the United States.
According to Iranian state outlets, Tehran has laid out several prerequisites for any potential resolution. Key conditions include a comprehensive halt to hostile activities and targeted attacks, the establishment of robust safeguards to prevent further escalations, compensation for damages, a full ceasefire involving all resistance allies, and recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz as an essential guarantee for compliance with any agreements. However, demand to continue its nuclear program was not listed.
Global investors tracked gains in U.S. equities on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.54% to close at 6,591.90, the NASDAQ Composite gaining 0.77% to reach 21,929.82, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by nearly 0.66% to finish at 46,429.49.
