The Nikkei 225 inched up 0.03% to close at 53,430, while the broader Topix gained 0.25% to 3,654 on Tuesday, though both benchmarks surrendered most of their earlier gains as investors braced for President Donald Trump’s looming deadline for Iran to strike a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face intensified attacks. Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal, demanding an end to hostilities, lifting of sanctions, and regional reconstruction as preconditions. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she plans talks with Iran’s leader and a separate call with Trump amid efforts to find a path toward peace. Notable gains were seen in technology and financial stocks, including Kioxia Holdings (2.1%), Advantest (1.2%), Ibiden Co (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (0.7%), and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (0.7%).
