Markets Swing As Trump Signals Iran Talks Amid Denials
Oil fell more than 5% with Brent at $98.31 after Trump said the U.S. and Iran were negotiating despite Tehran's denials, rattling markets.
Overview
Oil prices dropped more than 5% on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran were "in negotiations right now," while Iranian officials denied direct talks.
A report citing two unnamed officials said the U.S. sent Iran a 15-point proposal via Pakistan aimed at ending the war, though circulation among Iranian officials and Israeli support were described as unclear.
Stock futures rose after the report, with S&P 500 futures up about 0.7%, Nasdaq 100 futures about 0.8% and Dow futures gaining roughly 318 points, according to market data.
Brent crude was reported at $98.31 per barrel in one account and has been reported above $100 per barrel in others, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate was reported at $87.65 per barrel.
The Pentagon is preparing to deploy an elite combat brigade from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East and thousands more U.S. Marines were reported en route to the Gulf, according to reporting.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this story neutrally, emphasizing facts and market data rather than editorializing. They cite specific price movements, Treasury yields, and officials’ statements (Iran denial, Pakistan’s PM) to show competing signals. Language is descriptive not evaluative, and multiple viewpoints and quantitative measures are included to avoid a single narrative.
FAQ
Trump claimed Iran agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons or enrich uranium, surrender uranium stockpiles, adopt a low-key missile approach, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices fell more than 5% with Brent crude at $98.31 per barrel, while stock futures rose, including S&P 500 futures up 0.7%, Nasdaq 100 up 0.8%, and Dow futures gaining 318 points.
US negotiators include Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance.
Iranian officials denied direct talks with the US, calling claims of negotiations 'fake news'.
The Pentagon is deploying an elite brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division and thousands of US Marines to the Middle East; US and Israeli strikes continue on IRGC targets.
