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Geneva Today
By the People, for the People
Stocks drop, oil rises after Trump Iran threat
Geopolitical tensions rise as Trump hints at possible military strikes on Iran
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose on Friday after former US President Donald Trump hinted at possible military strikes on Iran if it did not make a "meaningful deal" in nuclear talks. The remarks fanned geopolitical concerns and cast a pall over a tentative rebound in markets following an AI-fueled sell-off earlier in the month. Traders are also looking ahead to the release of US economic data later in the day.
Why it matters
The prospect of a conflict in the crude-rich Middle East has sent oil prices surging this week, impacting global markets. Trump's threats come as the US and Iran hold talks to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, which it denies pursuing. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the potential for military escalation.
The details
Trump told the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" that Tehran should make a deal. "It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen," he said, as the US deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the region. He warned that Washington "may have to take it a step further" without any agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned: "If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine."
- On Friday, most Asian equities fell and oil prices rose.
- Earlier this week, the US and Iran held a second round of Omani-mediated talks in Geneva.
The players
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States who hinted at possible military strikes on Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel who warned Iran of a response it "cannot even imagine" if it attacks Israel.
Iran
The country that the US is seeking to prevent from obtaining a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies pursuing.
What they’re saying
“It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen.”
— Donald Trump, Former US President
“If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine.”
— Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
What’s next
The US and Iran are expected to continue their talks in the coming days as they seek to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
The takeaway
The latest developments highlight the fragile state of relations between the US and Iran, and the potential for military conflict in the Middle East, which could have significant implications for global energy markets and financial stability.
