Mideast

• The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran following Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. • Tehran responded to the U.S. military action by targeting various Gulf countries, further intensifying regional instability. • President Donald Trump stated that the Iranian provocations signaled the end of a fragile ceasefire, prompting the U.S. to threaten escalation.

• Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as warring parties resume hostilities and diplomatic relations deteriorate. • Iran remains defiant, demanding that the United States take accountability for ceasefire violations involving military strikes. • President Trump's inconsistent strategy is criticized for shifting rapidly between praising Iranian diplomacy and threatening all-out military solutions.

• South Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese stock markets experienced a sharp decline on Monday morning, driven primarily by a sell-off in technology shares. • The rout was triggered by investor fears regarding potential U.S. interest rate hikes and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. • Currency markets felt the impact as the Japanese yen and South Korean won came under significant pressure.

• South Korean shares reached a new record high on May 29, driven by a strong rally in technology stocks and growing optimism regarding stability in the Middle East. • The market surge was bolstered by investor confidence in semiconductor demand and a positive shift in geopolitical sentiment affecting global trade. • This rally underscores the resilience of Seoul's tech-heavy index and reflects a broader trend of risk-on sentiment among Asian investors.

• The Nikkei stock index closed above the 65,000 mark for the first time on Monday, reaching a historic milestone. • This surge was primarily driven by investor optimism that the United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to end their ongoing conflict. • The rally highlights how geopolitical stability in the Middle East can significantly boost investor confidence in Japanese equity markets.