Seoul shares opened higher Tuesday, led by gains in semiconductor stocks, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that pushed up oil prices. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 50.40 points, or 0.72 percent, to 7,045.79 at the opening bell. The index soared by more than 4 percent in the previous session on the back of a rally in tech stocks amid revived hopes for artificial intelligence (AI)-related earnings momentum. The U.S. stock market was closed on Sept. 7 (U.S. time) for the Labor Day federal holiday. Higher energy prices are fueling inflation concerns, with investors closely watching whether the Fed will raise rates or keep them on hold. Investors are also awaiting Friday's inflation report for clues about the central bank's rate path. Tehran said a deal with Oman to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was imminent, while warning that ships faced the risk of attack off the Omani coast.