TOKYO, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher on Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index closing above the 65,000 mark for the first time, boosted by progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks and growing hopes for a settlement in the Middle East conflict.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,819.12 points, or 2.87 percent, from Friday at 65,158.19.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 50.11 points, or 1.29 percent, higher at a record closing high of 3,942.57.
On the top-tier Prime Market, nonferrous metal, electric appliance, and air transportation issues led the gains.
Reports that the United States and Iran are close to signing an agreement involving a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, sent benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures lower and improved market sentiment, analysts said.
Gains in heavyweight technology stocks, tracking advances by their U.S. counterparts late last week, also gave the Nikkei a lift.
At its peak, the Nikkei touched an intraday high of 65,408.87, while the Topix index briefly hit 3,953.89, surpassing an intraday record last set about three months ago. ■