Diplomatic tensions in the Strait of Hormuz eased slightly after surprise talks at the UN, with both sides expressing cautious optimism. A U.S. official described the negotiations as productive, while oil markets reacted positively, with Brent crude prices dipping below $100—a rare drop in recent weeks. Iran rejected suggestions it had abandoned earlier conditions for reopening the critical shipping route, though the discussions left room for potential follow-up meetings. The shift in rhetoric and market response signals a fragile but notable thaw in a long-standing standoff.
Trump says further talks possible as barrel of Brent crude falls to below $100 for first time in two weeksUnited Nations general assembly – latest updatesIran has pushed back on claims that it dropped former preconditions for reopening the strait of Hormuz in surprise talks held in New York under the mediation of Qatar between Tehran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.Trump said the three-hour talks held in a room at the UN headquarters had gone very well and been very productive. He suggested further talks were possible imminently, which led to the price of a barrel of Brent crude to fall to below $100 (£75) for the first time in two weeks. Witkoff said the talks had been “encouraging, constructive and successful”. Continue reading...
