- President Trump says U.S.-Iran talks are ongoing daily, contradicting reports of a halt.
- Trump warns Iran must reach a deal, linking negotiations to strategic objectives.
- Oil markets remain sensitive to mixed signals, with volatility persisting.
Daily Diplomacy or Mixed Signals?
President Donald Trump asserted that negotiations with Iran are proceeding on a daily basis, pushing back against reports that talks had been suspended. “We’re talking every day. They have to make a deal,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. His comments come amid a flurry of conflicting statements from Tehran, which has at times denied direct engagement, underscoring the complex, multi-track nature of the diplomacy.
A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that back-channel discussions continue, focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear program and easing regional tensions. However, the official cautioned that “no breakthrough is imminent.” The mixed messaging has kept markets on edge, with oil prices swinging on each new headline.
Market and Geopolitical Stakes
Financial markets are closely watching the talks, as any deal could unlock sanctions relief and potentially ease restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 1.2% on Thursday following Trump’s statement, before paring gains as traders digested the uncertainty. “Every word from Washington or Tehran moves the barrel,” said a commodities analyst at a major bank.
Regionally, a successful agreement would likely recalibrate alliances, potentially easing tensions with Gulf states and altering strategic calculations for Israel. Yet the fragility of the process was highlighted by Iran’s foreign ministry, which reiterated that “no direct talks” are taking place, even as it acknowledged “indirect exchanges.”
What’s Next?
In the short term, markets will parse every official readout for signs of concrete milestones—such as verified constraints on uranium enrichment or staged sanctions relief. The coming days may bring further clarity, or more confusion, as both sides continue to jockey for leverage. A person familiar with the matter said the U.S. is pushing for a framework agreement within weeks, though Iran has signaled it will not be rushed.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Iran had confirmed direct talks. The story has been updated to reflect Iran’s denial.