Asia Markets Open Mixed as U.S. Strikes Iran and S&P 500 Hits 7,519 Record
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 26
Asia Markets Open Mixed as U.S. Strikes Iran and S&P 500 Hits 7,519 Record
7 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 26
Japan and Australia pointed higher while Hong Kong signaled a weaker open Wednesday, as investors weighed fresh U.S. military action in Iran against hopes Washington and Tehran can still reach a deal.
U.S. forces struck missile launch sites and Iranian vessels in southern Iran early Tuesday, calling the operation self-defense even as the White House said a ceasefire framework remained in place and talks were nearing completion.
Trump said Monday negotiations to end the war were proceeding nicely, but warned the U.S. could go on the offensive if diplomacy collapses, underscoring how fragile the truce remains.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 0.61% to a record 7,519.12 and the Nasdaq gained 1.19% to 26,656.18, while the Dow slipped 118.02 points as tech stocks led the response to Middle East developments.
As strikes continue during a ceasefire, are the U.S. and Iran using peace talks as a smokescreen for imminent, wider conflict?
The global economy hinges on the Strait of Hormuz. What is the real timeline for its reopening and normalizing oil prices?
With U.S. missile stockpiles critically low, is Washington negotiating for peace or simply buying time before the war becomes unsustainable?
Global Economic Shock: How the 2026 U.S.-Iran Conflict Sent Oil Above $90 and Triggered Worldwide Inflation
Overview
On May 26, 2026, the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated as the United States launched military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM described as self-defense actions against Iranian threats. At the same time, Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, and an Iranian delegation traveled to Qatar for talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict and seeking a ceasefire. The timing of these strikes complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlighting how military actions and negotiations are closely linked and can impact each other, increasing uncertainty in both regional stability and global markets.