CNBC World5/18/2026Business1 min read

European Stocks Set to Open Lower on U.S.-Iran Tensions

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European stocks are expected to open lower as investors react to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, while oil prices rose and major European indices are predicted to fall.

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Why It Matters

European stock markets are poised to open lower as investors digest recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran. The President issued a strong warning to Iran to agree to peace deal terms, stating "the clock is ticking" and that "time is of the essence."

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European stocks are expected to start the new trading week in negative territory as investors react to the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war.

The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is seen opening 0.2% lower, Germany's DAX 1% lower, France's CAC 40 down 0.95% and Italy's FTSE MIB 0.8% lower, according to data from IG.

European bourses look set to follow their Asia-Pacific counterparts lower on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to "get moving, FAST" to agree the terms of a peace deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Sunday said "the clock is ticking" for Iran and warned there "won't be anything left" if action was not taken soon, adding that "time is of the essence."

The President did not elaborate, but the warning comes as negotiations between the U.S. and Iran appear to be deadlocked.

Oil prices rose more than 1% overnight following the comments, with international benchmark Brent crude futures for July gaining 1.90% to trade at $111.34 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June advanced 2.17% to $107.71 per barrel.

Ryanair publishes its latest earnings report Monday.

— CNBC's Garrett Downs and Justina Lee contributed to this market report.