Seoul:<Text>

Seoul stocks extended losses late Friday morning, tracking overnight declines on Wall Street, as persistent tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 15.18 points, or 0.23 percent, to 6,460.63 as of 11:20 a.m. The index opened higher after closing at a record high of 6,475.81 the previous session but gave up early gains, retreating from its recent rally.

According to Yonhap News Agency, overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.89 percent. Foreigners sold a net 955.8 billion won (US$645 million) worth of stocks, while institutions and individuals bought 583.8 billion won and 398.8 billion won, respectively. Investor sentiment remained subdued amid limited progress in peace talks between the United States and Iran.

On Thursday (U.S. time), U.S. President Donald Trump said he had ordered the U.S. Navy t o target any vessels laying mines in the strait, adding Iran is seeking a deal and talks are underway. Iran was also reported to have reactivated its air defense systems. Still, hopes persist that a potential second round of talks could ease tensions and help stabilize the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Trump also said Israel and Lebanon would extend their ceasefire by three weeks, easing concerns over a broader regional conflict.

In Seoul, tech and auto stocks led the losses. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 2.34 percent, while chip giant SK hynix declined 0.49 percent. Top automaker Hyundai Motor dropped 3.76 percent, and its sister affiliate Kia shed 3.09 percent. Budget carrier Jeju Air fell 0.74 percent, and Korea Aerospace Industries, the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, plunged 7 percent. Among gainers, defense giant Hanwha Aerospace Industries rose 2.04 percent, and LIG Defense and Aerospace jumped 2.38 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,482.5 5 won against the greenback at 11:20 a.m., down 1.55 won from the previous session.