Asia markets opened mixed Thursday as geopolitical tensions overshadowed initial optimism from a fragile Iran-U.S. ceasefire deal. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.73% while South Korea's Kospi dropped 1.61%, reflecting investor caution after Iran's parliament accused the U.S. of breaching agreement terms. However, oil markets surged on supply concerns, with Brent crude rising 3.1% to $97.76 and West Texas Intermediate climbing 3.2% to $97.44. The ceasefire uncertainty created a divergent market reaction, as energy prices climbed amid fears of renewed conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. futures slipped 0.3%, suggesting caution ahead of American trading. India's central bank warned that escalating Iran tensions could fuel inflation and threaten economic growth. Australia bucked the trend, gaining 0.24%, while mainland China and Hong Kong declined.
