US equity futures fell on Monday as investors weighed the latest tit‑for‑tat attacks between the United States and Iran and mixed reports on the status of the Strait of Hormuz. At 8:20 a.m. New York time, S&P 500 futures were 0.4% lower, ending a two‑day rally, while Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1%. The slide came amid uncertainty over whether shipping lanes in the strategic waterway remain open, a factor that has historically spooked markets.

Oil prices rose in tandem, with Brent crude trading around $79 a barrel, reflecting heightened risk premiums for Middle‑East supply disruptions. Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange noted the breadth of the sell‑off, with technology and energy sectors showing the most weakness. The market’s reaction underscores how quickly geopolitical flashpoints can reverse short‑term bullish momentum.

Analysts caution that further escalation could deepen the sell‑off, while any de‑escalation might restore confidence and revive the recent winning streak in equities. The situation remains fluid, and investors are advised to monitor developments closely.