Tokyo/Seoul, April  (V7N) – Japanese and South Korean stock markets soared in early trading on Wednesday, driven by optimism after US President Donald Trump indicated that the war with Iran could end in two weeks.

Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped by 3.29% to 52,742.62, marking a significant rally.

South Korea's Kospi rose 4.83% to 5,296.29 points.

Ahead of the opening bell, Tokai Tokyo Securities pointed to optimism in the Japanese market, suggesting that the surge was fueled by reports of a potential ceasefire being brokered by both the US and Iran.

Trump confirmed on Tuesday that US forces would be withdrawing from Iran "very soon," with an expectation that military operations would conclude within two weeks, or possibly a few days longer. This announcement sparked investor optimism, pushing global markets upward.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian further boosted market confidence when he told the president of the European Council that Tehran had the "necessary will" to end the conflict, provided its enemies assured that the war would not re-escalate.

Despite these positive developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel's military campaign against Iran was not over, as he vowed to continue efforts to "crush" Iran's "terror regime". However, the Wall Street markets largely brushed aside Netanyahu's remarks, continuing their upward momentum.

END/WD/RH/