Asian stocks edge higher as oil eases on Middle East tensions

WASHINGTON, United States — Asian equities traded sideways on Wednesday as concerns over a possible new US-Iran military confrontation eased, pulling oil prices lower. Investors weighed the prospect of Washington returning to nuclear talks with Tehran alongside cautious assessments that US President Donald Trump may opt against military action. The decline in crude prices supported shares of energy-importing nations across the region, while softer signals from the Middle East provided a measured lift to risk appetite. Investors were also tracking upcoming global developments carefully, limiting broader moves. US benchmarks were little changed in Asian trading, while Japan's Nikkei and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 posted modest gains. Brent crude last traded near $71 a barrel, down about 1% on the session, as traders priced in a lower risk premium tied to the Iran standoff. No further details on the potential talks were immediately available, and market participants said they were awaiting clearer signals from Washington and Tehran before taking larger positions.