The talks were expected to move forward after the two countries announced a preliminary framework earlier this week. However, US Vice President JD Vance withdrew from the meeting, delaying negotiations and creating uncertainty over the next steps.

Despite the setback, oil prices remained on track for a sharp weekly decline, as traders continued to price in expectations that the Strait of Hormuz will eventually remain open and regional energy supplies will normalize. Brent and WTI crude were both heading for weekly losses of around 8%, although prices recovered slightly during Friday’s session as geopolitical risks resurfaced.

Investors are now watching whether diplomatic efforts can resume in the coming days. A lasting agreement could help stabilize energy markets and ease inflation concerns, while further delays may keep volatility elevated.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post How Cancelled US-Iran Talks Affect Markets Today first appeared on Finblog.

The negotiations, which were scheduled to begin Friday at the Bürgenstock resort, have been postponed after Vance pulled out of the trip. Swiss authorities confirmed the talks would no longer take place as planned.

The delay comes as Iran reportedly seeks clearer signs that Washington is implementing the terms of the preliminary agreement before committing to further negotiations. Despite the setback, both sides have indicated they remain interested in continuing discussions.

Markets are closely watching the talks, as a lasting agreement could help stabilize the Strait of Hormuz, ease geopolitical risks, and reduce pressure on global energy markets.

For now, the negotiations remain on hold, leaving investors waiting for the next step in one of the year’s most closely watched diplomatic efforts.

The post US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland called off first appeared on Finblog.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the frozen funds legally belong to Iran and suggested they would eventually have to be returned as part of a broader agreement.

“It’s not our money, it’s their money,” Trump said. “If we didn’t give it back, nobody would ever invest in the dollar again.”

The comments come as the US continues negotiations with Iran over a broader peace agreement that could include sanctions relief, the return of frozen assets, and measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also indicated that US sanctions could eventually be lifted if Iran changes its behavior, while emphasizing that any final agreement must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

The remarks highlight the administration’s effort to balance diplomatic negotiations with maintaining confidence in the global financial system, where the US dollar remains the world’s dominant reserve currency.

For investors, the comments add another sign that economic incentives and financial measures are likely to play a central role in any final US-Iran agreement.

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Speaking at the G7 summit, Trump said the agreement could be finalized within days and would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The president added that the deal could help restore stability to global energy markets after months of disruption.

The proposed agreement is expected to create a framework for broader negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, and regional security. However, several key issues, including the scope of sanctions relief and implementation details, are still being negotiated.

Markets have been closely following the talks because any progress could help increase oil exports from the region and reduce concerns over global supply disruptions. Expectations of an eventual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have already contributed to lower crude prices in recent days.

While Trump expressed confidence that a deal is near, officials from both countries have yet to release the final agreement, leaving investors focused on whether negotiations can successfully move from a preliminary framework to a formal accord.

Related: US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland called off

The post Trump Says US-Iran Deal Could Be Signed by Friday first appeared on Finblog.

Speaking after recent negotiations, Trump said the commitment is clearly written into the memorandum of understanding currently being finalized.

“The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that the agreement states it “loud and clear.”

The comments come as the US and Iran continue working toward a broader agreement that would formally end months of conflict. Negotiators are expected to spend the next 60 days discussing technical issues, including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, sanctions relief, and the implementation of the broader peace framework.

While Trump described the nuclear commitment as a major breakthrough, many of the agreement’s details have yet to be finalized. European governments and international observers continue to watch the negotiations closely, particularly regarding inspection mechanisms and how Iran’s nuclear program will be monitored over the long term.

Markets have welcomed signs of diplomatic progress, with easing geopolitical tensions helping reduce pressure on oil prices and improving investor sentiment. However, analysts note that confidence will depend on whether both sides successfully translate the preliminary agreement into a comprehensive and enforceable deal.

For investors, the focus is now shifting from the headline announcement to how the agreement will be implemented. The handling of sanctions, nuclear oversight, and regional stability could all influence energy markets and global risk sentiment in the months ahead.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post Trump Says Iran Has Fully Agreed to Give Up Nuclear Weapons first appeared on Finblog.

The agreement builds on previous cooperation between the two countries and introduces a broader framework covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, cybersecurity, critical minerals, and clean energy. Alongside the declaration, both governments also unveiled a Frontier Technology Partnership designed to accelerate joint research, investment, and commercialization in emerging technologies.

The partnership aims to make supply chains more resilient while encouraging private-sector investment and closer cooperation between businesses and research institutions.

Some of the key priorities include:

• Expanding collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors
• Strengthening supply chains for critical technologies and minerals
• Increasing joint investment and research in frontier technologies
• Enhancing cybersecurity and digital infrastructure cooperation

The two governments also announced commercial agreements worth around £18 billion ($24 billion) across technology, infrastructure, financial services, offshore wind, and defense projects. Officials said the investments are expected to support economic growth while creating thousands of new jobs in both countries.

The agreement reflects a broader trend among major economies to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply chains and secure leadership in next-generation technologies. As competition intensifies in areas such as AI and semiconductor manufacturing, governments are increasingly treating technological leadership as both an economic and national security priority.

For investors, the partnership highlights continued government support for sectors including AI, chips, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and clean energy, areas that are expected to remain at the center of long-term global investment.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

The post UK and Japan Deepen Economic Security Partnership With Focus on AI and Semiconductors first appeared on Finblog.

According to Trump, the proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route that normally handles about 20% of global oil shipments, and could mark the most significant diplomatic development since the conflict began earlier this year.

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters, adding that the agreement could be signed “very soon, maybe over the weekend.”

Markets welcomed the comments. US stocks moved higher while oil prices fell as investors bet that a deal could reduce geopolitical risks and ease concerns about global energy supplies.

However, Iran quickly pushed back on suggestions that an agreement was finalized.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said large portions of the proposed text had been agreed upon, but stressed that Tehran’s decision-making bodies were still reviewing the proposal.

“We have not reached a final conclusion on this matter,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran would not compromise on its core demands.

Several key issues reportedly remain under discussion, including:

• The future status of the Strait of Hormuz
• Sanctions relief
• Access to frozen Iranian assets
• Nuclear-related restrictions

Trump has repeatedly stated that any agreement must guarantee that Iran cannot develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Iran continues to deny that it is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.

The latest developments come after months of conflict that have disrupted energy markets and pushed oil prices sharply higher. Despite a ceasefire announced earlier this year, fighting has continued intermittently, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

The prospect of a deal is also important for financial markets. A reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could help stabilize oil prices, reduce inflation pressures, and ease concerns about global supply chains.

Still, investors appear cautious.

The gap between Trump’s optimism and Iran’s more measured response suggests that negotiations may be entering their final stage, but significant hurdles remain before any formal agreement is signed.

For now, markets are watching one question closely: Will the latest diplomatic push finally produce a deal, or will another round of uncertainty follow?

Related: Trump Says US-Iran Peace Deal Is ‘Largely Negotiated’: What to know

The post Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Signed Soon, But Tehran Says No Final Decision Has Been Made first appeared on Finblog.

According to Trump, final details are still being discussed and the framework would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Trump also said he spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu and described the conversation positively.

Hormuz Remains the Biggest Market Focus

The situation around Hormuz remains critical because the route previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments before disruptions began. Trump stated that the current blockade would remain in place until an agreement with Iran is formally signed.

The proposed framework reportedly includes:

• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Steps toward ending the conflict
• A negotiation period for broader peace talks
• Discussions around sanctions and energy flows

Reports also suggest negotiations may unfold in phases rather than through one immediate final agreement.

Iran Signals Progress but Disputes Remain

Iranian officials confirmed negotiations are moving forward but pushed back on some details. Tehran reportedly views the proposal as a framework agreement, with additional negotiations expected over the next 30 to 60 days, especially regarding:

• The Strait of Hormuz
• Nuclear discussions
• Sanctions
• Regional security issues

Iranian media also challenged suggestions that control over Hormuz would shift, calling some interpretations inconsistent with reality.

Markets Watch Oil More Than Politics

For investors, the biggest issue remains energy. Markets have spent months balancing:

AI optimism
Higher inflation
Oil shocks
Geopolitical risk

A reopening of Hormuz could ease pressure on: Oil prices, Shipping costs, Inflation expectations

But uncertainty remains because several major disputes are still unresolved. The market narrative may now be shifting. Not from war to peace yet. But from military escalation toward negotiation risk.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: US Rejects Iran’s Latest Peace Proposal as White House Situation Room Meeting Looms

The post Trump Says US-Iran Peace Deal Is ‘Largely Negotiated’: What to know first appeared on Finblog.

The move is part of Paris’ broader effort to strengthen technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign computing infrastructure.

Emmanuel Macron said part of the funding will flow through existing military procurement programs, linking quantum development directly with national strategy.

France Bets on Domestic Quantum Champions

The investment will support deep-tech companies and existing quantum initiatives, including the PROQCIMA program, which aims to develop fault-tolerant quantum computer prototypes by 2032.

Major beneficiaries include:

• Alice & Bob, known for its error-resistant “cat qubits” approach
• Pasqal, which focuses on neutral atom quantum systems

France is already buying technology from several domestic quantum firms under defense-related programs.

Global Quantum Race Is Heating Up

The announcement comes as the US also expands support for quantum technology. Washington reportedly launched a $2 billion funding package covering nine quantum companies, including government equity participation.

China remains another major competitor, investing heavily in:

• Quantum communication
• Quantum encryption
• Advanced computing systems

Europe is now trying to avoid falling behind.

The latest French package adds to earlier commitments, including a €1.8 billion national quantum strategy covering 2021–2025.

Why Markets Are Watching Quantum

Quantum computing remains early-stage, but investors increasingly see it as the next major technology race after AI. Potential applications include:

• Drug discovery
• Financial modeling
• Materials science
• Cybersecurity
• Defense systems

For now, AI dominates technology markets. But governments are already preparing for what could become the next strategic computing battle.

The competition is no longer only about chips and AI. Quantum is quietly becoming another front in the global tech race.

The post France Launches $1B Quantum Push as Europe Tries to Keep Pace With US and China first appeared on Finblog.

The development comes ahead of a planned White House Situation Room meeting where Donald Trump is expected to discuss possible military response options with national security officials.

The rejection adds pressure to negotiations that have already struggled to make progress on several major issues.

Talks Remain Stuck on Key Disputes

The US and Iran have continued discussions involving:

• Tehran’s nuclear program
• Sanctions relief
• The Strait of Hormuz
• Regional security concerns

However, both sides remain divided, and previous US comments reportedly described Iran’s latest proposal as insufficient.

That raises the risk that diplomacy could slow further just as markets were hoping for signs of stabilization.

Oil Markets Move Back Into Focus

The biggest concern for investors remains energy. The Middle East conflict has already pushed oil prices higher this year, and another deterioration in relations could renew fears around supply disruptions.

Markets are closely watching: Oil prices, Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Inflation risks, Global market volatility

Energy remains one of the strongest-performing sectors of 2026, partly because of these geopolitical pressures.

Crypto and Risk Assets Face Pressure

Risk sentiment has also weakened. Short-term market analysis points toward a more defensive environment, supported by:

• Stronger US dollar levels
• Higher Treasury yields
• Rising geopolitical uncertainty

Crypto markets remain especially sensitive because recent price moves have been tied closely to liquidity conditions and risk appetite.

If tensions rise further, investors may continue reducing exposure to higher-risk assets. Markets have spent much of the year balancing:

AI optimism
Strong earnings
Energy shocks
Geopolitical risks

The latest US-Iran development brings attention back to the last two. For now, investors are waiting for one thing: Whether diplomacy returns, or whether markets need to price a longer period of Middle East uncertainty.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only

Related: Trump and Xi Wrap Up “Successful” China Summit, But Major Trade Questions Remain

The post US Rejects Iran’s Latest Peace Proposal as White House Situation Room Meeting Looms first appeared on Finblog.