International oil markets were once again swayed by developments in US-Iran negotiations. In late-night trading on April 25 Beijing time, crude oil prices experienced a sharp surge, while Bitcoin saw a significant drop. By approximately 6:30 AM on April 26, Brent crude was quoted at $100.85 per barrel, and New York crude was trading at $95.711 per barrel. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin turned lower, reaching $77,546.02 per coin. Over the past 24 hours, more than 80,000 traders across the cryptocurrency market faced liquidations.
According to reports, the US President announced on social media on the 25th that he had canceled a planned trip by US representatives to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, for "meetings with Iranian officials." The President described the trip as "wasting too much time on travel" and cited "internal disputes and chaos" within Iran's leadership. He added that the US "holds all the cards" and suggested that if Iran wants to negotiate, they can "just call directly."
The President had previously informed the media that the trip by his special envoy and his son-in-law to Pakistan for US-Iran talks had been canceled. He stated that he had instructed them "not to fly 18 hours just to sit and talk without substance."
In a related development, an Iranian diplomatic official indicated on the 25th that Iranian and US delegations might hold a second round of talks in the coming days. It is understood that Iran has conveyed a message to the US, urging the US President to reduce threatening rhetoric. The Iranian side suggested that if the US adopts a more moderate stance, hardliners within Iran would be more likely to support participating in negotiations.
Separately, the US Central Command issued a statement on social media on the 25th, announcing that the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer had deployed an armed helicopter to intercept a commercial ship in the Arabian Sea. The vessel subsequently complied with US military instructions and was escorted back to Iran under US Navy supervision. The statement further emphasized that the US military will continue to enforce a comprehensive blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports. Since the blockade began, 37 ships have been forced to alter their routes.
Comments