Nasdaq futures ticked higher on Monday as the United States and Iran began fraught negotiations in Switzerland. Despite weekend threats—Iran claimed to have closed the Strait of Hormuz and President Trump warned Tehran over Hezbollah support—traders kept a cautious optimism for a Middle‑East de‑escalation. The modest rise reflects lingering hope for a diplomatic breakthrough.

Oil prices slipped, with Brent crude falling below $80 a barrel as the market priced in reduced supply risk. The prolonged Hormuz closure has already fed higher inflation, prompting U.S. 10-year Treasury yields to climb toward 4.5%. Energy traders also watch OPEC output decisions closely. Investors see the yield rise as a signal the Federal Reserve will keep tightening policy this year.

The interim nuclear accord signed last week buoyed equities, pulling the broader market up and nudging oil back toward pre‑conflict levels. Yet the lingering supply shock keeps inflationary pressure alive, forcing traders to balance optimism about peace with the reality of higher borrowing costs. Nasdaq futures therefore remain modest, mirroring a market that rewards diplomatic progress but remains wary of rate hikes in the near term.