Asian markets climb as oil prices retreat on U.S. and Iran nuclear progress
Asian stocks rose Wednesday as oil prices fell on U.S. and Iran nuclear progress. The New Zealand dollar fell as the central bank signaled continued support.
Insights:
Iran 
IR's foreign ministry and the United States (Washington) 
US reported an understanding on main guiding principles during Geneva talks today, February 18, 2026. This announcement regarding their longstanding nuclear dispute has significantly eased near-term geopolitical risk, particularly concerning shipping and oil supply around the Strait of Hormuz. This development served as a primary trigger for shifts in global market sentiment during active trading.
IR's foreign ministry and the United States (Washington) US reported an understanding on main guiding principles during Geneva talks today, February 18, 2026. This announcement regarding their longstanding nuclear dispute has significantly eased near-term geopolitical risk, particularly concerning shipping and oil supply around the Strait of Hormuz. This development served as a primary trigger for shifts in global market sentiment during active trading.The reported progress in the Geneva talks put immediate downward pressure on energy markets, with Brent crude futures and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures both retreating as the energy risk premium embedded in prices declined. Market participants noted that the reduction in geopolitical tension helped offset some of the recent uncertainty that has characterized the commodities sector.
