Japanese Stocks Climb as Iran's Plan to Reopen Strait Boosts Sentiment
Japanese shares ended higher on Monday, tracking a broader risk-on sentiment after reports that Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the U.S., easing concerns over stalled peace talks and potential supply disruptions.The Nikkei 225 rose 1.4%, or 821.18 points, to close at 60,537.36.Cautious optimism returned on Monday after talks broke down over the weekend, when U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped an envoy visit, and Tehran ruled out negotiations under pressure.Iran has floated a plan through Pakistani mediators to extend the ceasefire and create space for broader talks, with nuclear discussions to follow once a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is lifted. The proposal has been delivered to the White House, with no clear response yet. Trump is due to meet his national security team later in the day.In economic news, Japan's leading index rose to 113.3 in February after an upward revision, while the coincident index fell to 116.3 from January's revised 118.1, government data showed Monday.On the corporate front, Rohm (TYO:6963) fell 9% after saying it has not supported Denso Corporation's (TYO:6902) share acquisition proposal and that recent media reports did not originate from the company.Eneos (TYO:5020) slipped over 1% after saying it is strengthening governance following the indictment of its unit over alleged diesel price coordination in Tokyo.Kyorin Pharmaceutical (TYO:4569) edged down over 1% despite plans to transfer its generic drug business to a Daito-led platform as it shifts focus to new drug operations.