<ul>
<li>Futures up: Dow 0.04%, S&amp;P 500 0.16%, Nasdaq 0.23%</li>
</ul>
(Updates after premarket market starts)
March 4 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures reversed losses and were marginally higher on Wednesday as investors assessed a report that suggested Iranian operatives were discussing terms to end the five-day conflict with Israel and the United States.
A New York Times report said operatives from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence had reached out indirectly to the C.I.A. a day after the attacks began, according to officials briefed on the outreach.
However, U.S. officials are skeptical, at least in the short term, that either the Trump administration or Iran is really ready for an off-ramp, the report said.
Travel stocks that are sensitive to oil prices and bore the brunt of losses earlier this week turned higher after the report on Wednesday. Delta Airlines (UAL.O) added 1% in premarket trading and Carnival (CCL.N) edged up 0.4%.
Oil and gas producers such as ConocoPhillips (COP.N) slipped 0.2% and Cheniere Energy (LNG.N) was flat.
Global markets also took comfort from U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcements of a U.S. Naval escort for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and political risk insurance.
The air campaign between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Iran was entering its fifth day and concerns are that Tehran’s threat to attack vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz could push shipping costs and drive crude prices to a worrying $100 a barrel. Several Middle Eastern countries have also temporarily halted oil and gas production.
After two volatile sessions for Wall Street, investors scooped up technology stocks that sold off heavily in February such as Nvidia (NVDA.O) , up 1.4% on the day.
At 05:28 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis (YMcv1) were up 19 points, or 0.04%, S&amp;P 500 E-minis (EScv1) were up 11 points, or 0.16%. Nasdaq 100 E-minis (NQcv1) were up 56 points, or 0.23%.

.NDX

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U.S. stock index futures rose slightly as investors reacted to reports of Iranian operatives discussing terms to end the conflict with Israel and the U.S. Despite skepticism from U.S. officials, travel stocks rebounded, while oil producers faced slight declines. President Trump's announcement of naval escorts for oil tankers provided some market reassurance. The ongoing air campaign raised concerns over rising crude prices, with several Middle Eastern countries halting oil production. As of 05:28 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were up 0.04%, S&P 500 E-minis up 0.16%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis up 0.23%.

- U.S. stock index futures rose slightly, with Dow up 0.04%, S&P 500 up 0.16%, and Nasdaq up 0.23%, as investors reacted to reports of Iranian operatives discussing terms to end the conflict with Israel and the U.S.  
- A New York Times report indicated that Iranian officials had reached out to the C.I.A., although U.S. officials remain skeptical about immediate resolution.  
- Travel stocks gained, with Delta Airlines rising by 1% and technology stocks, including Nvidia, rebounding after previous declines.

Reuters

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US STOCKS-Wall St futures inch up after report on Iran-US talks to end war