Iran Nuclear Talks Enter New Phase After Disputed Uranium Reports

A recent report said that Iran’s Supreme Leader had directed that near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, a move that would harden Tehran’s stance in peace talks with Washington.

However, a senior Iranian official later denied that any new uranium order had been issued, according to market news account Walter Bloomberg. The official called the claims “enemy propaganda” and said Iran would continue domestic downblending, with the issue left for the next round of talks.

Iran Pushes Back on Uranium Report

The uranium question matters since Washington has made the future of Iran’s enriched stockpile a central part of any peace deal. Reuters reported that the U.S. wants Iran to ship out its stockpiles, while Tehran wants security guarantees, recognition of its sovereignty over Hormuz, and an end to strikes.

Reports earlier in the day said Iran’s Supreme Leader ordered the material to remain inside the country. That raised concern that one of the main negotiation points had become harder to resolve. Oil prices rose after the Reuters report, with Brent crude climbing to $108.53 and WTI moving above $101, as traders priced a higher risk premium into energy markets.

Meanwhile, the overnight update said India’s central bank is reviewing options to support the rupee. Possible tools include a rate hike, more currency swaps, and overseas dollar-raising measures. The pressure on emerging-market currencies reflects how quickly war risk can move across energy, trade, and foreign-exchange channels.

Fed Payment Plan Adds Policy Shift

The U.S. Federal Reserve proposed a limited payment account structure that could give eligible fintech and crypto-linked firms restricted access to Fed payment rails. Reuters reported that these accounts would not carry the same benefits as traditional bank accounts, including intraday credit, interest on reserves, or discount-window access.

The Fed said the accounts would be designed to pose limited risk to Reserve Banks and the wider payments system. Its proposal also says eligible institutions could request such accounts through Reserve Banks under a streamlined review process.

The overnight update also showed broader U.S. policy moves. Washington is preparing to open a new consulate building in Greenland, renewing political concerns over U.S. intentions toward the island. In Asia, Beijing is reportedly delaying a Pentagon official’s proposed visit as China pressures Washington over a $14 billion Taiwan weapons package.