U.S. stock futures moved lower on Monday as tensions in the Middle East intensified following new ultimatums tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The rejection of these demands by Iran and continued disruptions to regional energy assets have kept oil prices elevated, weighing heavily on risk sentiment. Rising energy costs are reinforcing inflation concerns, leading investors to reassess expectations for monetary policy and reducing confidence in near-term rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

At the same time, stronger-than-expected labor market data has added another layer of complexity to the outlook. Solid job growth and a slight decline in unemployment suggest underlying economic resilience, but also support the case for a more cautious policy stance. Attention now shifts to the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee minutes, which may provide clearer guidance on the path forward for interest rates. Until then, markets are likely to remain highly sensitive to both geopolitical developments and macroeconomic signals.