•Asian shares opened lower on Friday, with losses in Japan and South Korea, despite President Trump extending his deadline for a deal with Iran.
•Oil prices edged lower but remained elevated, while US equity futures gained after Trump's remarks improved market sentiment following a global equity sell-off.
•Trump extended his pledge to refrain from attacks on Iranian energy sites, offering a brief calm to global energy markets jolted by the conflict.
•Geopolitical tensions continue to buffet markets, with traders closely watching the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for Middle East oil flows.
•Brent crude is on pace for a monthly gain of almost 50% due to the conflict and the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
