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Investing.com -- Crude oil prices fell to a low of $66.54 on Friday, down over 1%, following an Axios report that a White House envoy plans to meet with Iran’s foreign minister in Oslo next week to restart nuclear talks.
The potential diplomatic engagement comes after President Trump ordered military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last month. According to the report, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, though neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting.
Oil markets reacted to the news as renewed nuclear negotiations could eventually lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially increasing global supply. Iran holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and any return of Iranian crude to international markets would likely pressure prices.
The reported talks would mark the first direct engagement between the two countries since the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran that ended in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Sources cited by Axios indicate that Witkoff and Araghchi have maintained direct contact during and after this conflict.
A key focus of any future negotiations would be Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which reportedly includes 400 kilograms enriched to 60% purity. This level of enrichment is close to weapons-grade material, which requires 90% enrichment.
Omani and Qatari officials have reportedly been involved in mediating between the U.S. and Iran, with Iranian officials initially reluctant to engage with the U.S. following the military strikes but gradually softening their position.
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