Japanese equities are poised to decline, influenced by escalating concerns over Middle East conflicts and overnight weakness in U.S. semiconductor stocks. Following a briefing from senior advisors on new escalation options, the U.S. President is reportedly inclined to expand American military operations in Iran. Japanese chip-related shares are expected to follow the downturn after the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.1% on Wednesday. On the Singapore Exchange, Nikkei index futures dropped by 935 points to 67,860. The Nikkei 225 index had closed Wednesday's session up 1.5% at 68,751.51 points.