Iran-Israel war LIVE updates: ‘Large fire’ reported at Kuwait airport after Iranian drones target fuel tanks

Asian shares were sharply higher on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) after U.S. stocks soared to their best day since last spring on renewed hopes that the Iran war could soon end.

South Korea’s Kospi surged 5.2% to 5,312.45 in early trading, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 3.5% to 52,840.67.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 1.9% to 8,641.30.

The renewed optimism came after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will be done attacking Iran probably in two to three weeks, and that the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” what happens next in the Strait of Hormuz.

AP