Asian and European equities climbed on Monday, while U.S. equity futures jumped and Brent crude fell, as signs of a possible U.S.-Iran deal boosted risk appetite. To note, the U.S. is on holiday.Both sides appear to be moving closer to ending the three-month conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, overnight comments from senior Iranian officials suggest gaps remain, particularly over the future of Iran's nuclear program and uranium enrichment."It is true that a consensus was reached on many of the topics discussed, but no one can claim that the signing of an agreement is imminent," Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei told reporters in response to a question on the progress in negotiations.According to Baghaei, "It is fair to say that we have reached understandings on many issues, but whether this means an agreement is imminent is something no one can claim at this stage." #US #Iran https://t.co/sQhizVBYBl
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 25, 2026Earlier today, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump team had expected more details on progress in the US-Iran deal and may still have an update soon."We thought we might have some news last night. Maybe today," Rubio told reporters in New Delhi during his multi-day visit to India.President Trump on Sunday said, "Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb."Trump added that the US naval blockade of the Hormuz maritime chokepoint would remain in place until a peace deal is signed and that both sides must take their time to "get it right."Al Jazeera quoted Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency, which said Iran will discuss its nuclear program with U.S. negotiators once the Trump team fulfills its commitments under a potential MOU being negotiated.BREAKING: Iran says it would discuss its nuclear programme with the US if Washington fulfils its commitments under a potential MOU being negotiated, a senior diplomat told the semi-official ISNA news agency.
