US stock futures edged higher after the Easter break, with the S&P 500 up 0.3% in pre‑market trading and the Nasdaq 100 rising 0.5%. The gains reflected optimism that a 45‑day ceasefire proposal could ease tensions between Iran and the United States.

The proposal, reportedly shared by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, comes ahead of a Trump‑set deadline for a formal agreement. Traders interpreted the diplomatic outreach as a sign that the conflict could deescalate, lifting risk sentiment across equity markets.

Energy prices slipped as the news dampened geopolitical risk. Brent crude fell 0.8% to $108.27 for June delivery, while WTI dropped 1.3% to $110 for May. The decline underscored investors’ preference for lower volatility amid the uncertainty.

Asian markets mirrored the upbeat tone: Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.6%, and Seoul’s Kospi rose 1.4%. European exchanges remained closed for Easter, leaving the global market focus on the Middle East developments.