Asian equity markets split on Tuesday as Japan’s Nikkei edged higher while South Korea’s Kospi slipped. Oil futures rose on mixed signals from U.S.–Iran talks. Vice‑president JD Vance said Iran would permit nuclear inspectors to return this week, a claim Tehran later called false. The divergent equity moves underscore regional risk appetite as oil traders monitor the diplomatic flare‑up.

Front‑month West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 0.5% to $74.21 a barrel and Brent rose 0.3% to $78.13, ICE data showed. Analysts flagged a possible slowdown in the recent surge of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that moves about 20% of global supply. Iran warned future transits could require paid insurance, adding a logistical risk, adding pressure on inventories and market tightness.

The price lift reflects traders weighing diplomatic ambiguity against supply‑chain concerns. If inspections resume, sanctions relief could ease demand pressure, but any restriction on tanker movements would tighten the market. Investors should watch Tehran’s next statement and U.S. policy tweaks, as both will dictate whether oil retains its recent gains or slips back toward recent lows. Energy ETFs may benefit from the price lift now.