Asian currencies steadied against the dollar in early trading ahead of President Trump’s anticipated address on the U.S.-Iran conflict. Markets braced for his expected praise of the military operation’s success and reiteration of a two-to-three-week timeline for ending the war, per a Wall Street Journal report citing White House officials. The U.S. dollar retreated 0.1% to 158.65 yen and 0.1% against Singapore dollars (1.2822), while the Australian dollar held firm at $0.6932, per FactSet data.

Trump’s remarks are anticipated to frame the conflict as resolved, though analysts note uncertainty over troop withdrawal logistics. The dollar’s modest decline reflects cautious investor sentiment ahead of his speech, with traders monitoring signals about prolonged military engagement.

The U.S.-Iran standoff has dominated geopolitical headlines, with markets weighing potential escalation risks. A swift resolution could buoy risk assets, while prolonged tensions might pressure energy markets and regional currencies. Asian equities, including Japanese and Australian indices, showed muted reactions, suggesting limited immediate impact on broader equities.

Key takeaway: Currency markets prioritized Trump’s messaging over technical factors, highlighting how geopolitical narratives continue to shape forex dynamics. Investors will likely adjust positions post-speech based on clarity around the conflict’s resolution timeline.