Middle East diplomacy
U.S.-Iran deal lifts markets, but key questions remain
The sides say a memorandum is ready for signing Friday in Switzerland, but the text is unreleased, Hormuz is not yet fully reopened and Israel is not part of the agreement
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- U.S.-Iran framework U.S.-Iran Framework Eases Oil Fears, but Hormuz Reopening May Take Time Trump and Iranian officials pointed to an agreement set for signing Friday, while shipping data and unresolved security issues showed the path back to normal remains uncertain
- Diplomacy U.S. and Iran announce deal aimed at ending war, reopening Hormuz Trump and mediators say a signing is set for Friday, but the deal text has not been released and nuclear and sanctions questions remain for further talks
- Markets Asian stocks slide as tech sell-off and Middle East strikes unsettle markets South Korea’s Kospi triggered a trading halt after a sharp opening fall, while oil prices swung as Iran and Israel exchanged attacks
Middle East tensions
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon After Holding Off on Beirut
Netanyahu pulled back from a threatened attack on Beirut after pressure from Trump, but signaled Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah would continue
U.S.-Iran talks
U.S. and Iran edge toward ceasefire deal, but approval remains unresolved
Vice President JD Vance said negotiators are “very close” as Iran disputed reports of a finalized text and Trump weighs whether to sign off
Lebanon escalation
Israel strikes Beirut suburb as deadly attacks widen in southern Lebanon
Casualty reports were still shifting Thursday after strikes in Tyre, Sidon and other areas, while Israel warned residents across parts of the south to leave
Iran diplomacy
Draft Iran memo would extend ceasefire and reopen Strait of Hormuz, sources say
The proposal remains unfinished, with Iran not yet agreeing to all terms and key questions unresolved over enriched uranium, sanctions and verification
U.S.-Iran talks
U.S. and Iran Edge Toward Deal, but War Risks Remain
Officials describe progress on a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire, while both sides caution that final terms are not settled
U.S.-Iran talks
Iran says U.S. deal is taking shape, but obstacles remain
Tehran says many points have been settled but no signing is imminent, as Trump and Rubio signal optimism over a possible pact to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Iran-U.S. tensions
Iran says it cannot trust U.S. as Trump claims control of Strait of Hormuz
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is trying to preserve a shaky ceasefire for diplomacy, while Trump said the U.S. controls the key waterway
Aviation fuel supply
US-grade jet fuel could help Europe ease shortage risk
IATA says wider use of Jet A may relieve pressure if Middle East disruption continues, while EU and aviation safety officials say any switch must be carefully managed
Iran-U.S. Ceasefire Talks
Iran Reviews U.S. Ceasefire Plan as Hormuz Fighting Tests Truce
Tehran has not formally answered Washington’s latest proposal, which links sanctions relief and access to the Strait of Hormuz to sweeping nuclear limits
Gulf tensions
Oil rises as US and Iran trade fire in Strait of Hormuz
Trump says the ceasefire remains in place, but the clash in a vital energy corridor has sharpened doubts over diplomacy and shipping security
Energy markets
Brent crude jumps to $119 as Iran blockade fears deepen
The benchmark rose nearly 7% Wednesday after reports the U.S. is preparing to extend pressure on Iranian ports while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted
World Cup 2026
Infantino says Iran will ‘for sure’ play at U.S.-cohosted 2026 World Cup
The FIFA president argued sport should stay outside politics as war fuels doubts; Iran has two group games slated in Inglewood and Seattle