Asian stocks jump as Trump signals war may end soon

Asian stock markets rallied on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump said the Middle East war could end within weeks, raising hopes for a resolution to the month-long conflict.

Trump told reporters that US forces could leave Iran “very soon,” possibly within “two weeks, maybe three,” while also suggesting a deal could be reached before then.

"But we're finishing the job," he said. "We want to knock out every single thing they have… it's possible that we'll make a deal before that."

His remarks were echoed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said Tehran had “the necessary will” to end the conflict if key conditions, including guarantees against future attacks, were met.

The optimism lifted global markets. Wall Street surged, with major indexes posting strong gains, while Asian markets followed suit. Seoul jumped more than six percent, and Tokyo and Taipei rose by at least four percent. Other markets across the region also recorded solid gains.

Despite the positive sentiment, oil prices edged higher due to ongoing concerns about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Trump said the United States would not take responsibility for reopening the waterway, urging other nations to act instead.

"What happens with the strait we're not going to have anything to do with," he said earlier, also criticizing allies for not supporting US efforts.

The conflict’s economic impact continues to grow, with rising fuel costs pushing inflation higher in several regions. Analysts warn that even if tensions ease, elevated oil prices could continue to strain global growth and financial conditions.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the United Arab Emirates may support efforts to reopen the strait, potentially marking a significant escalation. As uncertainty persists, markets remain sensitive to both diplomatic signals and developments on the ground.