U.S. and Iran signal peace progress but clash over uranium enrichment and Hormuz tolls
Washington and Tehran reported progress in indirect talks brokered by Oman and Qatar, but Iran's demand to retain enriched uranium domestically and a plan to charge tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz remain the key obstacles to a deal.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said indirect talks with Iran are progressing positively but ruled out allowing Tehran to charge tolls on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The negotiations are being conducted in parallel in Muscat and Doha under Omani and Qatari mediation.
The most critical sticking point remains Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% retained on its territory. Washington is demanding the entire stockpile be transferred to a third country, while Tehran says it accepts the main articles but rejects the transfer condition. On the Hormuz toll question, Iran calculates transit revenues could reach $4-6 billion annually.
Markets responded positively to the diplomatic progress: Brent crude fell $3 in a single session, Wall Street futures climbed, and European bourses hit two-week highs. JPMorgan analysts forecast Brent could return to the $88 band if a deal is finalized by mid-September. Readers should consult financial professionals before making investment decisions.
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