Global markets tumble as iran-us tensions flare again

Asian stock markets plummeted on Thursday as the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran showed signs of unraveling, heightening uncertainty in financial markets.

Asia's key indexes slump amid iran-us tensions

The Kospi in South Korea tumbled 1.9%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.4%, while China's Shenzhen index retreated 0.2%. Japan's Nikkei suffered a near 0.6% decline.

The broad-based sell-off in Asian equities contrasted with a near 2% surge in Brent crude oil prices, a key barometer of global economic health.

Oil prices rise as us-iran tensions escalate

Just over an hour before European bourses opened, Brent futures were trading above $96 a barrel – a level not seen since before the recent conflict erupted.

However, the rapprochement between the two nations appears increasingly tenuous as fresh attacks in Lebanon by Israel, a key US ally, threatened to derail the fragile truce.

Us and iran talks hit roadblocks

Despite the White House announcing direct talks with Tehran, Iranian authorities accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms, raising concerns that the cautious optimism could prove short-lived.