US stock futures fell on Monday after President Donald Trump set a new deadline for Iran and escalated threats to target its power plants and other civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Tehran rejected the latest ultimatum and continued its attacks on energy facilities across the Middle East, while the crucial shipping lane remains effectively shut.
US equities faced heavy selling as the escalating conflict sent energy prices sharply higher, heightening expectations that the Federal Reserve could delay planned interest-rate cuts and might even raise borrowing costs this year if inflation remains elevated.
Separately, economic data released during Friday’s market holiday showed the US economy added 178,000 jobs in March, far exceeding forecasts of 60,000. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3%, while wage growth eased. Investors are now awaiting the latest minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee for additional clues on the central bank’s policy outlook.
