[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks begin lower with risk appetite weighed down by geopolitics as the Iran conflict enters its fourth day, and with US President Trump warning of larger strikes

The ongoing conflict in Iran is dampening risk appetite in Asia-Pacific markets, as evidenced by lower stock performance. President Trump's warnings about potential larger military strikes could escalate tensions further, likely impacting energy prices and safe-haven assets, such as gold, while creating volatility in currency markets, particularly for the USD and JPY.