Tokyo stocks mixed in morning on escalating U.S.-Iran confrontation

TOKYO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The benchmark Nikkei stock index edged down Tuesday morning as investors grew risk-averse after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran in the latest sign of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 44.71 points, or 0.21 percent, from Monday to 21,241.28.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, on the other hand, was up 0.58 points, or 0.04 percent, to 1,548.32.

Decliners were led by mining, oil and coal product and securities house issues.