TOKYO, June 18 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share gauge surged

past the 71,000 level for the first time on Thursday as a

ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran boosted demand for risk

assets.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 1.88% to 71,219.45,

after touching an intraday high of 71,293.64. The broader Topix

gained 1.67% to 4,080.26.

The U.S. and Iran released the text of an interim agreement to

end their war, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to

resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to

honour their commitments.

Markets in Asia also reacted to a hawkish tilt by the U.S.

Federal Reserve, which held interest rates steady. The dollar

strengthened broadly, while the yen touched a near two-year low,

approaching levels that prompted Tokyo to intervene in markets.

Chip-related shares led the Nikkei's gain, with Socionext ( SOCNF )

jumping 9.19% and Screen Holdings ( DINRF ) rising

4.96%. Financial stocks also advanced, with Mitsubishi UFJ

Financial Group ( MUFG ) up 2.44%. Marine transportation stocks

lagged, with Nippon Yusen falling 2.08%.

Of the Nikkei's 225 stocks, 144 advanced while 75 declined.