Asian stocks expected lower due to US CPI data, with geopolitical tensions affecting markets. Fed's next move and inflation report may influence policy outlook; hopes for Iran deal wane. (Aug 12) : Asian stocks were poised to follow Wall Street lower as traders held back from riskier bets ahead of key inflation data and remained wary over US-Iran developments. Oil had earlier dropped after Pakistan said the US and Iran were "close to some sort of arrangement." Treasuries edged up ahead of a report that's expected to show moderation in consumer prices.