Yen Weakens as Dollar Gains

2026-03-26 02:00 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Japanese yen fell to around 159.5 per dollar on Thursday, marking a third consecutive session of losses as the dollar strengthened amid heightened uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict.

The US maintained that peace negotiations are ongoing, while Iran signaled it has no intention of holding direct talks with Washington.

Tehran said it would reject a US ceasefire offer, instead countering with a five-point plan granting it control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The yen also faced pressure from rebounding oil prices, which stoked inflation concerns and weighed on Japan’s growth outlook.

Meanwhile, Japan received two oil tankers from the Middle East this week that bypassed the critical waterway, easing some supply pressures.

A former Japanese national security adviser suggested the country consider deploying warships to help secure the waterway alongside other nations, protecting both its own vessels and those of international partners.



News Stream
Yen Weakens as Dollar Gains
The Japanese yen fell to around 159.5 per dollar on Thursday, marking a third consecutive session of losses as the dollar strengthened amid heightened uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict. The US maintained that peace negotiations are ongoing, while Iran signaled it has no intention of holding direct talks with Washington. Tehran said it would reject a US ceasefire offer, instead countering with a five-point plan granting it control over the Strait of Hormuz. The yen also faced pressure from rebounding oil prices, which stoked inflation concerns and weighed on Japan’s growth outlook. Meanwhile, Japan received two oil tankers from the Middle East this week that bypassed the critical waterway, easing some supply pressures. A former Japanese national security adviser suggested the country consider deploying warships to help secure the waterway alongside other nations, protecting both its own vessels and those of international partners.
2026-03-26
Yen Steadies as Oil Prices Retreat
The Japanese yen steadied around 158.7 per dollar on Wednesday after a volatile start to the week, as oil prices retreated on hopes for a Middle East ceasefire, easing pressure on Japan’s import-dependent economy. The moves came amid reports that the US was pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran, though investor skepticism persisted after Tehran denied engaging in any negotiations with Washington. The yen also drew support from concerns over potential intervention in currency markets, as Japanese officials signaled the government’s readiness to take all necessary steps to defend the currency. Reports further indicated that Japan’s Finance Ministry had reached out to market participants regarding possible intervention in crude oil futures markets, given their impact on the yen.
2026-03-25
Yen Slips as Oil Prices Rise
The Japanese yen weakened past 158.5 per dollar on Tuesday, trimming gains from the previous session as oil prices recovered some of Monday’s losses, keeping pressure on Japan’s oil-importing economy. The moves followed Iran’s denial of any talks to end the conflict, pushing back against President Donald Trump’s claims. On Monday, the yen had jumped 0.5% after Trump postponed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing productive discussions with Iran over the past two days. Domestically, data showed core inflation rose 1.6% in February, the smallest increase since March 2022 amid government efforts to ease living costs, though rising energy prices from the Iran war could push inflation higher in the coming months. The soft inflation reading offered little impetus to change monetary policy after the Bank of Japan held rates steady last week.
2026-03-24