Iran says it will not surrender and that only Washington can end the fighting, a hard line that keeps oil and bond markets on edge and is bad news for anyone hoping for a quick deal.

• Iran insists the war was forced on it, says sanctions will not break it, and claims it never sought nuclear weapons.
• Tehran points to a signed agreement it says the US walked away from, and wants a return to talks — possibly before the midterms.
• Big business is pushing back on Trump's floated diesel export ban, with the Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, manufacturers, and the oil industry signing a joint protest letter, plus Republican anger in farm states.
• Government bond yields have blown past 5% to a 19-year high, jumping sharply in just days as the blockade and war spending pile onto borrowed money.
• US-China talks carry low expectations; Beijing is holding up sensitive F-35 parts, though panda diplomacy is back as a small goodwill gesture.

Outlook: With no deal in sight and bond yields climbing fast, expect more pressure on oil, borrowing costs, and the wider economy in the weeks ahead.