Nikkei Hits Record as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, Asia Markets Turn Mixed

Asian markets showed mixed signals as investors reacted to fresh uncertainty in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, saying the pause would continue until Tehran presents a unified proposal. However, Iranian officials rejected talks, calling them a waste of time, while the U.S. maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. The uncertainty delayed Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip for negotiations. Oil prices slipped slightly, while U.S. futures edged higher, reflecting mixed investor sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4% to a record 59,585.86, supported by export growth for a seventh straight month and a 667 billion yen trade surplus. The broader Topix fell 0.67%. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.46%, while China’s CSI 300 rose 0.66%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 1.19%, India’s Nifty 50 slipped 0.59%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.18%.