U.S. equity index futures opened lower on Monday; Nasdaq futures were down 0.5%.

Al Jazeera reported Hezbollah opposes direct talks between the Lebanese government and the US, saying such negotiations would weaken Lebanon’s sovereignty and serve Israeli interests. The group said the Lebanese delegation in Washington was asked to sign US-proposed terms that “deprive Lebanese sovereignty” and align Lebanon with forces reconciled with Israel, calling the talks based on a “flawed” premise that would produce “surrender” rather than serve Lebanon’s interests. Hezbollah added that government participation hinders efforts to counter enemy plans and resistance on the ground, risks Lebanon’s stability and independence, and amounts to compliance with US and Israeli policy objectives.

Vice President Vance said today leaders are attending primarily to establish a framework for technical negotiations and to ensure their teams have full backing and can seek help to overcome any obstacles.