US Stock Market Futures Fall Amid Delay in Trump's Iran Strike

US Stock Futures Rebound Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions

US stock futures were trading slightly in the red during Friday's session, despite US President Donald Trump extending the deadline for a potential attack on Iran's energy infrastructure by another 10 days. The move failed to calm markets and instead led to a sharp rebound in crude oil prices.

Futures of the three key indices - the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq - were down in the range of 0.3%. Trump's recent statements indicated that he is willing to end the war, but the US is reportedly sending more troops to the region, creating uncertainty among investors over a potential ceasefire in the Middle East.

Brent crude continued to build on the previous day's gains, with prices rising 3.5% to reach an intraday high of $111 per barrel. This surge marks a near 57% increase in a month, sending shockwaves through the global economy and hitting Asia especially hard, as it depends heavily on the Middle East for oil imports.

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Economic Impact

Economists are warning that if crude oil prices remain at these elevated levels, it could hurt global growth and cripple many economies that are highly sensitive to crude price volatility. Iran's threat to retaliate against regional infrastructure, including desalination facilities, has further escalated tensions in the region.