Asian stocks closed slightly lower on Wednesday following President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. would pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, as oil prices rose to multi-year highs
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gave back 99.81 points, or 0.4%, to 22,408.88, as most sectors traded in negative territory, although gains were seen in the mining and banking sectors.
Against the yen, the U.S. dollar strengthened some 0.5% to trade at 109.71 — its strongest level in more than a week.
In individual movers, Toyota announced it was expecting a 4.2% decline in operating profit this financial year. Shares of the automaker rose 3.8% outperforming other major Japanese automakers, which declined.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 133.33 points, or 0.4%, to 30,536.14. Gains were led by the energy sector, which was up 1.8% before the market close as CNOOC rose 1.8%. Technology stocks also recorded moderate gains in afternoon trade.
Korean markets edged down. Despite the benchmark's overall decline, gains were still seen in petroleum refiners, with SK Innovation up 1%.
Australian markets held their own, as a decline in the heavily weighted financials sub-index were offset by gains seen in most other sectors. The energy sub-index rose 1.3% as oil producers advanced, with Woodside Petroleum up 1.2% for the day.
The Australian dollar, meanwhile, slipped to trade at $0.7417 U.S. amid broader strength in the dollar.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 dropped 7.06 points, or 0.2%, to 3,548.54
In Korea, the Kospi index lost 5.83 points, or 0.2%, to 2,443.98
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 5.37 points, or 0.2%, to 3,548.54
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index added 11.97 points, or 0.1%, to 10,703.35
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved forward 25.24 points, or 0.3%, to 8,619.83
In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 16.14 points, or 0.3%, to 6,108.02
