Stock futures rise as Trump extends Iran negotiations deadline

Wall Street is coming off a losing session as higher oil prices and spiking Treasury yields weighed on equities.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:03pm

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U.S. stock futures rose on Thursday night after President Donald Trump extended a deadline to attack Iran's energy infrastructure, amid ongoing negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Oil prices remained elevated, though off their highs of the session. The announcement is the latest signal the Trump administration is seeking an end to the U.S.-Iran war, a conflict that has resulted in surging oil prices that's already hurting voters at the pump and could cost Republicans their seats in the midterm elections.

Why it matters

A resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict would be a boon for the stock market, which has tumbled since U.S. and Israel attacked Iran's energy infrastructure on Feb. 28. However, uncertainty remains as Iran's foreign minister reportedly told state media this week that Tehran has no intention of holding talks with the U.S., even if its leaders are reviewing an American proposal to end the war.

The details

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 92 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.2% each. International benchmark Brent crude futures was last above $107 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures was above $93. The S&P 500 declined 1.74%, while the Nasdaq Composite shed 2.38%, closing in correction territory. The Dow dropped more than 460 points, or 1.01%.

  • On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran's energy infrastructure.
  • The original deadline for the attack on Iran's energy facilities was set to end on Friday, March 26.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who extended the deadline to attack Iran's energy infrastructure.

Iran

The Islamic Republic that is engaged in negotiations with the U.S. to end the ongoing conflict.

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What they’re saying

“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

— Donald Trump

“I think we're headed lower in the medium term until we get some more certainty. You got to be cautious here and not take a ton of risk in the near term.”

— Adam Parker, Founder, Trivariate Research

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.