-- Japanese shares opened lower when trading resumed on Thursday after a market holiday, as renewed uncertainty surrounding the conflict in Iran pushed oil prices higher.
The Nikkei 225 fell by 432.8 points, or 0.7%, to open at 59,484.71.
Weak sentiment hounded markets as U.S. crude prices rose to their highest since 2022 after President Donald Trump told Axios that he would not end the naval blockade of Iranian ports unless Tehran agrees to a new deal addressing its nuclear program.
Brent crude closed near $120 per barrel.
In a separate development, Jerome Powell held his final press conference as head of the Federal Reserve, highlighting that he will remain on the board as a 'low-profile' governor.
His departure follows the Justice Department's decision to drop a controversial criminal investigation into the central bank, paving the way for the Senate to confirm Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair.