Asian stock markets traded higher in morning trades on Monday, May 25, as investor sentiment improved following reports of progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran. Market participants reacted positively after US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement between the two nations had been “largely negotiated,” raising expectations of a possible breakthrough in diplomatic talks.
Iranian officials also signaled cautious optimism over the weekend. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both sides were “very close and very far” from reaching a final agreement, indicating that discussions are ongoing but unresolved issues still remain.
According to reports in US media, the proposed arrangement may not represent a complete settlement. Key matters such as the timeline for sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and US demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program are expected to be negotiated further in future discussions.
The positive developments lifted investor confidence across major Asian markets, with several benchmark indices posting strong gains.
Asian Market Performance Today
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 219.51 points, or 0.86%, to trade at 25,606.03.
India’s Nifty 50 gained 220.95 points, or 0.93%, reaching 23,940.25 during the session.
Japan’s Nikkei index emerged among the top gainers, climbing 1,805.20 points, or 2.85%, to 65,144.27.
Taiwan markets also witnessed strong momentum, with the Taiwan Weighted Index surging 1,190 points, or 2.82%, to 43,457.97.
China’s Shanghai Composite rose 23.346 points, or 0.57%, to 4,136.246, while the Shenzhen Component added 135.564 points, or 0.87%, to 15,732.86.
South Korea’s Kospi index increased 32.12 points, or 0.41%, to 7,847.71.
Australia’s ASX 200 climbed 39.3 points, or 0.45%, to 8,696.3, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained 19.99 points, or 0.39%, to 5,088.14.
Thailand’s SET Index rose 14.65 points, or 0.95%, to 1,553.32.
New Zealand’s NZX 50 edged higher by 13.49 points, or 0.10%, to 13,004.8.
Malaysia’s benchmark index was the only major market trading lower, slipping 3.04 points, or 0.18%, to 1,709.63.