US stock futures pulled back on Thursday as conflicting messages from the US and Iran fueled mounting uncertainty about the prospects for talks to end the Middle East conflict.

S&P 500 futures (ES=F) fell 0.8%, while those on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) dropped 0.7%. Contracts on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) moved nearly 1% lower on the heels of Wednesday's rebound for Wall Street stocks.

Markets continue to be driven by the US-Israeli war with Iran, as Tehran and Tel Aviv launched fresh strikes on Thursday amid growing warnings about the economic cost of the conflict. With two days left of the US pause on Iran power plant strikes, the sides remain at odds over a potential ceasefire.

Brent crude futures (BZ=F) climbed to above $107 as the mixed signals dampened earlier hopes for an imminent easing in hostilities. West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude moved above $94.

Meanwhile, fears of a US recession are building as the oil rally threatens disruption and higher prices for already rattled consumers. A reading on weekly initial jobless claims due Thursday morning will be watched, as markets assess how much weight the Federal Reserve will give the oil spike in its policy deliberations.

Olaplex (OLPX) stock soared 50% before the bell on Thursday, following the news that German company Henkel (HEN3.DE) will acquire the hair-care brand for around $1.4 billion.

SSR Mining (SSRM) and Newmont (NEM) stocks fell roughly around 3% during premarket hours today. Mining stocks have suffered some volatility over recent weeks due to the war in Iran and the fluctuations in the price of gold (GC=F), which was down 2% today.

AppLovin (APP) stock fell 7% before the bell on Thursday. So far this year, the mobile company's shares have risen over 20%.

Yahoo Finance's Jennifer Schonberger reports:

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A loss for (META) and Google's YouTube (GOOG, GOOGL) in a high-profile trial over harms to children on their social media platforms may bring repercussions beyond the $6 million damages awarded.

From Bloomberg:

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From Bloomberg:

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Reuters reports:

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