The Nikkei Index may rise after being sold off recently.

Driven by concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Japanese stock market is expected to rise after experiencing a large sell-off earlier this week. Nikkei index futures on the Singapore Exchange are up 3.9% to 56,360 points. US President Trump stated on Wednesday that the US military operations in Iran are progressing "very smoothly." The dollar is at 157.07 yen, compared to 157.57 yen at the close of the Tokyo stock market on Wednesday. Investors are closely monitoring developments in Iran and oil prices. The Nikkei index fell 3.6% to 54,245.54 points on Wednesday.