Investors Question Whether Quick Peace in Iran Is Possible

Global markets are under pressure again amid doubts that the fighting in the Middle East can end anytime soon.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 11:35am

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Global markets are under pressure again as investors try to make sense of the conflicting messages emerging from Washington and Tehran about peace talks. Hopes for a quick resolution to the war in the Middle East are fading, with Iranian officials denying that talks were underway and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates now weighing whether to join the fight against Iran. Oil executives are anxious, with Chevron's CEO warning that the effects of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect oil prices for a while.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant volatility in global markets, with investors unsure whether a quick resolution is possible. The situation is impacting oil prices and supply chains, and raising concerns about a prolonged war that could have far-reaching economic consequences.

The details

On Monday, President Trump surprised markets by posting on social media that the U.S. and Iran had begun 'productive conversations' on 'a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.' This led to a rally in stocks and bonds, and a plunge in oil prices. However, Iranian officials have since denied that talks were underway, and American officials have described the discussions as in an early stage and not substantive. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are now considering joining the fight against Iran, while Israeli officials said missiles from Iran had hit Tel Aviv and other parts of the country.

  • On Monday, President Trump posted on social media about productive conversations between the U.S. and Iran.
  • On Tuesday, Iranian officials denied that talks were underway.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States who posted on social media about productive conversations between the U.S. and Iran.

Mike Wirth

The CEO of Chevron who warned that the effects of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect oil prices for a while.

Helima Croft and Christopher Louney

Commodities analysts at RBC Capital Markets who wrote to investors that 'multiple stakeholders have a say in how this war ends'.

Israeli officials

Officials who said missiles from Iran had hit Tel Aviv and other parts of the country.

Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates

Countries that are now weighing whether to join the fight against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike the case with tariffs or Greenland, multiple stakeholders have a say in how this war ends.”

— Helima Croft and Christopher Louney, Commodities analysts

“The Hormuz effects were still 'working their way around the world' and that could affect oil prices for a while because it would take time for supply disruptions to be resolved.”

— Mike Wirth, CEO

What’s next

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The takeaway

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