Trump's Ultimatum to Iran Counts Down, Asian Stocks Mostly Higher
As tensions in the Middle East escalate with Trump's ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged, with West Texas Intermediate reaching $115 per barrel and Brent Crude exceeding $111. Asian stock markets showed mixed reactions; Japan's Nikkei index saw a slight increase, and Shanghai Composite rose, while Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta experienced declines, reflecting investor assessment of the volatile situation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 18:55
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 19:00 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 12:50 (185h 50m after Collected)
AFP reported that as the Middle East conflict entered its sixth week, Trump warned Tehran that if it did not allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas, Iran's civilian infrastructure would be destroyed.
Meanwhile, both Trump and the Islamic Republic stated that the 45-day ceasefire proposal put forward by international mediators was not yet ready.
Trump stated at a press conference that if his ultimatum to reopen the strait before 00:00 GMT on the 8th was not met, Iran's "entire country could be wiped out overnight, and that night could be tomorrow night."
"I mean complete destruction before midnight, and we could do it in four hours if we wanted to."
Tehran, on the other hand, stated that if attacked, it would retaliate against energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region, which could further impact already tight oil supplies and severely hit the global economy.
The two major global crude oil futures contracts both surged today, with West Texas Intermediate reaching approximately $115 per barrel, a new high in a month; Brent Crude stabilized above $111 per barrel.
Stephen Innes, strategist at SPI Asset Management, pointed out: "Investors are assessing as Trump's ultimatum to Iran counts down, and financial markets are fluctuating in a narrow and unstable range... Hopes for a temporary ceasefire only provide a brief respite and do not truly eliminate the risk of escalation."
Japan's benchmark Nikkei index rose slightly by 0.03% today, reaching 53429.56 points. The Shanghai Composite Index closed up 0.3%, reaching 3890.17 points. Hong Kong stock market was closed today.
As for other Asian stocks, Taipei, Seoul, Sydney, Wellington, and Manila stock markets closed higher. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta stock markets closed lower. (Compiler: Ho Hung-ju) 1150407
Meanwhile, both Trump and the Islamic Republic stated that the 45-day ceasefire proposal put forward by international mediators was not yet ready.
Trump stated at a press conference that if his ultimatum to reopen the strait before 00:00 GMT on the 8th was not met, Iran's "entire country could be wiped out overnight, and that night could be tomorrow night."
"I mean complete destruction before midnight, and we could do it in four hours if we wanted to."
Tehran, on the other hand, stated that if attacked, it would retaliate against energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region, which could further impact already tight oil supplies and severely hit the global economy.
The two major global crude oil futures contracts both surged today, with West Texas Intermediate reaching approximately $115 per barrel, a new high in a month; Brent Crude stabilized above $111 per barrel.
Stephen Innes, strategist at SPI Asset Management, pointed out: "Investors are assessing as Trump's ultimatum to Iran counts down, and financial markets are fluctuating in a narrow and unstable range... Hopes for a temporary ceasefire only provide a brief respite and do not truly eliminate the risk of escalation."
Japan's benchmark Nikkei index rose slightly by 0.03% today, reaching 53429.56 points. The Shanghai Composite Index closed up 0.3%, reaching 3890.17 points. Hong Kong stock market was closed today.
As for other Asian stocks, Taipei, Seoul, Sydney, Wellington, and Manila stock markets closed higher. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta stock markets closed lower. (Compiler: Ho Hung-ju) 1150407
FAQ
What was the content of Trump's ultimatum to Iran?
Trump warned that if Iran obstructed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, its civilian infrastructure would be destroyed.
How did the escalating tensions in the Middle East affect oil prices?
Oil prices surged, with West Texas Intermediate reaching $115 per barrel and Brent Crude exceeding $111.