US considers $20 billion deal with Iran to limit enriched uranium – Axios
- Washington and Tehran are discussing a plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
- The United States could release $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
- In exchange, Iran would give up its stockpile of enriched uranium.
The United States (US) and Iran are currently negotiating a draft agreement aimed at ending the conflict, according to a report by Axios. The talks focus on a three-page memorandum of understanding that includes several measures related to Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Axios, Washington is considering releasing about $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for concessions regarding Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile, estimated at nearly 2,000 kilograms. Part of the material could be transferred to a third country, while the rest would be down-blended in Iran under international monitoring.
One US official quoted by Axios said the cash-for-uranium proposal “is one of many discussions” currently taking place between the two sides. Negotiations are also addressing a voluntary moratorium on nuclear enrichment, with Washington proposing a 20-year pause and Iran suggesting a five-year pause.
The outlet also reports that further talks could take place this weekend in Islamabad, with Pakistan mediating the negotiations and support from Egypt and Turkey, as discussions continue despite several remaining disagreements.
At the same time, Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, announced on Friday that, in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage of all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.
Market reaction
The announcements have fueled a risk-on sentiment across financial markets. The US Dollar Index (DXY) accelerates its decline, now down 0.37% on the day at 97.80, as investors reduce demand for the safe-haven currency. At the same time, Oil prices are falling sharply, with WTI US Oil sliding to new lows of more than one month at $82.70, losing 7.70% on the day as easing geopolitical tensions reduce fears of supply disruptions.
US Dollar Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the Canadian Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.45% | -0.41% | -0.43% | -0.31% | -0.69% | -0.51% | -0.56% | |
| EUR | 0.45% | 0.04% | -0.02% | 0.12% | -0.24% | -0.07% | -0.13% | |
| GBP | 0.41% | -0.04% | -0.04% | 0.08% | -0.28% | -0.11% | -0.16% | |
| JPY | 0.43% | 0.02% | 0.04% | 0.14% | -0.24% | -0.07% | -0.11% | |
| CAD | 0.31% | -0.12% | -0.08% | -0.14% | -0.37% | -0.21% | -0.24% | |
| AUD | 0.69% | 0.24% | 0.28% | 0.24% | 0.37% | 0.16% | 0.12% | |
| NZD | 0.51% | 0.07% | 0.11% | 0.07% | 0.21% | -0.16% | -0.05% | |
| CHF | 0.56% | 0.13% | 0.16% | 0.11% | 0.24% | -0.12% | 0.05% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).