Fresh diplomatic momentum is building around possible talks between the United States and Iran, with both sides signalling cautious openness even as they stop short of confirming direct engagement.
Momentum is building toward US-Iran peace talks over the weekend following a possible agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the ceasefire in Lebanon.
Oil prices extended their decline on Wednesday, as cautious optimism over a possible resumption of US-Iran talks eased immediate supply fears, even as underlying risks from the ongoing conflict continued to cap losses.
Talks aimed at ending the Iran war could resume in Pakistan within the next two days, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, raising cautious hopes for a breakthrough even as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiry in the coming days.
The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement after marathon 21-hour talks in the Pakistani capital Islamabad throwing the two-week Middle East ceasefire into doubt.
Oil prices continued their upward climb on Monday, as markets focused on escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East despite renewed assertions by US President Donald Trump that talks with Iran remain under way and could still lead to a diplomatic breakthrough.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran must reach a “meaningful” agreement over its nuclear programme within “10 to 15 days” or face unspecified consequences, escalating rhetoric amid a heightened US military presence in the Middle East.
The US has positioned forces in the Gulf region, pressuring Iran to accept a set of US demands. Diplomatic channels remain open, but miscalculation by either party could result in an escalation. CIO Office Viewpoint from Lombard Odier examines the potential implications if US-Iran tensions were to escalate.
