Iran Talks Stumble After Trump Threatens Negotiators
US-Iran negotiations got off to a rocky start but appear to be limping forward, which is fragile good news for oil markets but far from a done deal.
- Iran agreed to let nuclear inspectors back in and the Strait of Hormuz partly reopened, easing oil and gas prices.
- Trump nearly blew up the talks by threatening to kill Iran's negotiators, who briefly walked out before returning.
- The biggest danger is Lebanon: Israel refuses to pull its troops out, and Iran calls Lebanon a red line that could break the whole deal.
- The US sent few real nuclear experts and is handing the technical details to Qatar, Pakistan, and the IAEA.
- Iran feels it holds the cards, ready to choke off Hormuz again if Israel keeps striking Lebanon.
Outlook: A shaky framework is in place, but Israel's attacks in Lebanon and Trump's erratic threats could collapse the deal at any moment.