The unverified claims, attributed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, suggested that Tehran would allow secret IAEA inspections of nuclear sites in exchange for interest payments on $6B in frozen Qatari assets. While the Pakistani army chief’s visit to Tehran was cited as evidence of progress, some analysts and sources described the reports as fraudulent or speculative. The initial optimism also drove Bitcoin above $83,000 before the energy markets stabilized following the diplomat's correction.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Diplomat Denies Iran-US Deal Is Close After 3% Oil Drop
Geopolitics9 hours ago
A negotiator involved in discussions between the United States and Iran has dismissed reports of a pending agreement, though the official confirmed that diplomatic talks are still taking place. The denial followed a series of reports that the two nations had’ given preliminary approval to a compromise proposal, a claim that caused Brent crude prices to drop 3% to $108 and WTI oil to fall to $96. Market volatility reversed quickly after the official spoke, and U.S. oil prices rebounded toward $97.
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