Asia markets mixed as oil falls after Trump's Iran remarks

Asian markets were mixed and oil prices fell about 3% after US President Donald Trump softened language on possible action in Iran.

Asian stock markets were mixed on Thursday while oil and precious metals slipped. Oil fell about 3% after US President Donald Trump said he would "watch it and see" on possible intervention in Iran and said he had been told that violence against protesters had stopped. The moves followed recent crude gains driven by concerns about possible supply disruption and came after Wall Street edged lower the previous day. Key facts: - West Texas Intermediate crude was reported down about 3.0% at $60.16 per barrel. - Several Asian markets moved unevenly: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Wellington, Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur fell, while Sydney, Seoul, Bangkok and Manila recorded small gains. - The South Korean won slid toward its weakest level in 16 years before gaining up to about 1% after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said its depreciation was "not in line with Korea's strong economic fundamentals." - Wall Street had eased the prior day despite solid bank earnings and a 0.6% rise in US retail sales for November, with analysts noting investor unease linked to possible US interventions and policy unpredictability. Summary: The reaction shows markets remain sensitive to US political remarks and to currency moves in Asia, which can affect local market sentiment and commodity prices. Undetermined at this time.