South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) opened sharply higher on Tuesday, rising around 2.6 percent, as investors responded to signals that the United States and Iran may resume diplomatic talks. The optimism followed reports that Iranian officials had reached out to Washington seeking a deal, after weekend negotiations in Islamabad broke down without agreement and the US Navy launched a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping lane. Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel on the news, easing pressure on the South Korean won, which also strengthened against the dollar, as South Korea relies heavily on imported energy and is particularly exposed to oil-driven inflation.