Japan's stock markets edged lower on Thursday, with the Nikkei 225 Index falling 0.27% to 53,604 and the Topix Index declining 0.22% to 3,643, ending a two-day recovery as investors stayed cautious over Middle East tensions.

While the US said peace talks are ongoing, Iran signaled it does not plan to hold direct negotiations and rejected a US ceasefire proposal, instead offering a five-point plan that includes control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Some oil supply concerns eased after Japan received two tankers this week that bypassed the key route, though discussions about possibly deploying warships to secure the waterway highlighted continued risks.

Among individual stocks, notable declines included Kioxia Holdings (-5.7%), Advantest (-2%), Tokio Marine (-3.4%), JX Metals Advanced (-1.8%), and Sumitomo Electric (-3.2%).

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