Asian stocks slid on Monday as the collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks dampened hopes of a quick end to the Middle East flare‑up. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.0%, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.2%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.5%. The downturn reflected investors’ growing war‑risk appetite.

Transport names bore the brunt. Cathay Pacific slid 2.3%, while China Eastern Airlines fell 3.3%. In Shanghai, Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation shed 4.3%, and Seoul‑listed Hanwha Ocean dropped 2.2%. Shipping and airline stocks led Asia’s declines, underscoring the sector’s sensitivity to geopolitical tension.

The dip signals that investors fear escalating conflict could disrupt global supply chains, especially for energy‑heavy freight and air cargo. A prolonged pause in diplomatic talks may lift risk premiums, squeezing margins for carriers and shipping firms that already face tight freight rates.

For market watchers, the day confirms that Middle East tensions continue to weigh on global equity sentiment, particularly in transport‑related sectors. The slide in Asian indices and shipping shares points to a cautious stance that could persist until a clear diplomatic breakthrough emerges for investors seeking stable returns.