Evening Briefing Asia

Potential US-Iran Talks Outweigh Blockade Risks for Markets

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Ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11.Photographer: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo

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By Stephanie Phang

April 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC

Investors decided it was a good news day after the latest whirlwind of developments in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump began a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move intended to raise pressure on Tehran. The blockade cuts off vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, raising the risk of further disruption to global energy flows.