Japan's Nikkei 225 opened 332.18 points higher, or 0.51%, at 65,938.89 on Aug. 10 (Monday).

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman said on the 9th Iran’s strategy is to maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz until adversaries accept all Iranian conditions and acknowledge defeat. He said Iran has forced the enemy to abandon previously set objectives and that the opponent is now concentrating on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He added Iran’s resistance will continue indefinitely and defeating the enemy is an unchangeable Iranian strategy.

Westpac expects the RBA to keep the cash rate at 4.35% in August after Q2 headline and trimmed-mean CPI printed below forecasts, a call consistent with Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Westpac says the RBA board will remain hawkish. Both banks note pass-through from Middle East-related energy costs to consumer prices has not persisted in recent months; June inflation showed higher input costs did not broadly reach consumers. They expect the RBA to retain hawkish wording even if it holds rates, so a mere pause may have limited impact on the AUD — market focus will be whether the board shifts clearly dovish or keeps a cautious tone.