Iran Proposes New Peace Plan, Asian Stocks Mostly Close Higher
Asian stock markets largely closed higher today, fueled by Iran's new peace proposal to the US, boosting optimism for an end to the Middle East conflict, and strong earnings reports from AI-related tech giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 19:09
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 19:31 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 19:34 (2 min after Collected)
Major US-Iran War News
(Central News Agency, Hong Kong, 4th, comprehensive foreign reports) Iran has submitted its latest peace negotiation proposal to the United States, aiming to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This boosted investors' optimistic expectations for an end to the US-Iran war, leading to most Asian stocks closing higher today, following the US stock rally.
According to AFP, although the Middle East crisis has not yet been resolved and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, traders turned their focus to corporate developments, returning to artificial intelligence (AI) concept stocks that have recently led several markets to new highs.
Latest earnings reports from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung Electronics far exceeded market expectations. This rekindled investor interest in the AI industry after market volatility erupted in late February with the outbreak of the Middle East war.
According to financial data provider FactSet, earnings growth for S&P 500 component companies is estimated to reach 27.1%, expected to be the largest increase in four years.
Iran's Tasnim News Agency recently reported that Tehran has handed over the text of a new proposal to mediator Pakistan. The proposal calls for a complete end to the conflict and pledges no further attacks. Iran also reiterated previous demands, including the withdrawal of US troops from around Iran, the lifting of blockades, and the removal of sanctions.
Iran stated yesterday that it had received a response from the US to its latest peace negotiation proposal. Al Jazeera cited sources revealing that Iran's plan consists of three main phases, aiming to transition from a ceasefire to an end to the war within 30 days.
In Asian stocks, Taipei and Seoul markets surged today, while Hong Kong, Sydney, Wellington, and Manila also closed in the black. Japan's markets were closed for the Golden Week holiday from May 4 to 6.
Chris Weston, an analyst at Australian financial services company Pepperstone Group, said: "Risk assets performed strongly in April, and we now need to take an open view on May's movements. This week's market should provide some initial signals, but currently, risk assets have priced in many positive news items, and now is the time to verify them."
(Central News Agency, Hong Kong, 4th, comprehensive foreign reports) Iran has submitted its latest peace negotiation proposal to the United States, aiming to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This boosted investors' optimistic expectations for an end to the US-Iran war, leading to most Asian stocks closing higher today, following the US stock rally.
According to AFP, although the Middle East crisis has not yet been resolved and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, traders turned their focus to corporate developments, returning to artificial intelligence (AI) concept stocks that have recently led several markets to new highs.
Latest earnings reports from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung Electronics far exceeded market expectations. This rekindled investor interest in the AI industry after market volatility erupted in late February with the outbreak of the Middle East war.
According to financial data provider FactSet, earnings growth for S&P 500 component companies is estimated to reach 27.1%, expected to be the largest increase in four years.
Iran's Tasnim News Agency recently reported that Tehran has handed over the text of a new proposal to mediator Pakistan. The proposal calls for a complete end to the conflict and pledges no further attacks. Iran also reiterated previous demands, including the withdrawal of US troops from around Iran, the lifting of blockades, and the removal of sanctions.
Iran stated yesterday that it had received a response from the US to its latest peace negotiation proposal. Al Jazeera cited sources revealing that Iran's plan consists of three main phases, aiming to transition from a ceasefire to an end to the war within 30 days.
In Asian stocks, Taipei and Seoul markets surged today, while Hong Kong, Sydney, Wellington, and Manila also closed in the black. Japan's markets were closed for the Golden Week holiday from May 4 to 6.
Chris Weston, an analyst at Australian financial services company Pepperstone Group, said: "Risk assets performed strongly in April, and we now need to take an open view on May's movements. This week's market should provide some initial signals, but currently, risk assets have priced in many positive news items, and now is the time to verify them."