Iran: Nuclear activities will not be suspended, Tasnim claims

Iranian media reported that Tehran did not commit to removing nuclear material from the country or suspending its nuclear activities as part of a possible agreement with the United States. The claim originates from the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, which said nuclear issues would be addressed at a later stage in negotiations.

Tasnim’s reporting also suggested that temporary suspension of certain U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil sector could be included in the negotiation package, potentially covering petrochemical exports and related exemptions. International outlets relaying the Tasnim account note that Iranian authorities had not issued an immediate official confirmation, leaving the report at the level of an internal media claim.

The Tasnim account comes amid widespread reporting — including by Reuters and media citing Axios — that the U.S. and Iran were close to a short framework or one-page memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and creating the basis for further nuclear talks. News of possible progress in talks has already affected markets: optimism about a deal has pressured oil prices lower and lifted risk assets as geopolitical risk premia are reassessed.

From a financial markets perspective, the crucial variables are the concrete commitments on nuclear verification and the timeline for any sanction relief. If a deal includes phased lifting of oil-sector sanctions, Brent and WTI benchmarks could see a reduction in the geopolitical premium, though physical market normalization would likely take weeks to months. Investors will monitor official statements from Tehran and Washington, and any involvement or verification role by the International Atomic Energy Agency, for signs of enforceability.

Market strategists caution that headline-driven volatility is likely to continue while details remain opaque. In the short term, energy and regional banking credit spreads could move quickly in response to each development; in the medium term, the outcome will depend on whether the framework translates into verifiable steps that address both sanctions relief and robust nuclear safeguards. Until then, traders and portfolio managers are likely to price both diplomatic upside and the risk of renewed escalation.