Wall St futures edge higher following news of Iran-US negotiations aimed at resolving conflict

US Stock Futures Edge Higher Amid Reports of Iran-US Negotiations

On Wednesday, futures for major US stock indexes showed slight gains as investors reacted to news indicating that Iranian officials were considering terms to resolve the ongoing five-day conflict with Israel and the United States.

According to The New York Times, sources familiar with the situation revealed that Iran's Ministry of Intelligence had made indirect contact with the CIA just a day after hostilities began.

Despite these developments, American officials remain doubtful that either the Trump administration or Iran is prepared to de-escalate the situation in the immediate future.

Travel-related stocks, which had suffered earlier in the week due to rising oil prices, rebounded following the latest reports. Delta Airlines saw a 1% increase in premarket trading, while Carnival rose by 0.4%.

Conversely, energy companies such as ConocoPhillips slipped by 0.2%, and Cheniere Energy's shares remained unchanged.

Global markets were also reassured by President Trump's announcement of US naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the introduction of political risk insurance.

The air strikes between the US-Israel alliance and Iran have now entered their fifth day. There are growing concerns that Tehran's threats against ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz could increase shipping expenses and push crude oil prices toward $100 per barrel. In response, several Middle Eastern nations have temporarily suspended their oil and gas production.

After two turbulent trading sessions, investors returned to technology stocks that had seen significant declines in February. Nvidia, for example, climbed 1.4% during the day.

As of 5:28 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were up 19 points (0.04%), S&P 500 E-minis gained 11 points (0.16%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis advanced 56 points (0.23%).

Reporters: Johann M Cherian and Pranav Kashyap in Bengaluru; Editors: Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Devika Syamnath

Originally published by USA TODAY: US stock futures inch up after report on Iran-US talks to end war