WS #6043

Asia-Pacific markets are set to open higher despite stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations, with oil prices jumping ~2% on renewed geopolitical tensions. The breakdown of talks and heightened Strait of Hormuz risks continue to support energy prices, while equities show resilience. Separately, Sun Pharma has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon (OGN), a significant M&A event in the pharma sector. Oracle (ORCL) stock is rallying on AI-centric announcements. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Hokkaido island, but no tsunami warning was issued and the region is sparsely populated, limiting immediate market impact. The dominant narrative remains elevated oil prices and geopolitical risk, with no de-escalation signals.