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Market Chatter: US-Iran Truce Extension Talks Advance Amid Hormuz Standoff

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The US and Iran are weighing a two-week extension of a ceasefire as their nearly seven-week conflict continues, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Talks are focused on prolonging the current truce, which is set to expire Tuesday, to allow more time for negotiations toward a broader peace deal.

The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz remains central. Iran has reportedly restricted access to most vessels and signaled it wants to retain control beyond the conflict.

In response to' query, the White House said the US has not reached a formal agreement to extend the ceasefire with Iran, but remains engaged in ongoing discussions.

"The United States has not formally agreed to an extension of the ceasefire. There is continued engagement between the US and Iran to reach a deal," the White House told, citing a senior US official.

Meanwhile, mediators are pushing for technical-level discussions to resolve key sticking points, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program, Bloomberg reported.

Tensions reportedly remain elevated around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies that has been largely shut since the conflict began.

The US has imposed a naval blockade to restrict Iranian exports, while Tehran has limited access to the waterway for other vessels.

Iran warned that the continued US blockade could signal a breach of the ceasefire, with Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's joint military headquarters, raising concerns, according to state media.

Abdollahi reportedly said Iran "will not permit any exports or imports" across key waterways if the restrictions persist.

Diplomatic efforts are currently ongoing, with Pakistan continuing to mediate and facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran.

Israel is also reportedly weighing ceasefire considerations, though no decision has been finalized amid parallel regional conflicts.

An Iranian supertanker transited the Strait of Hormuz into Iranian waters despite the US blockade, Bloomberg reported, citing Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.

US gasoline and diesel prices remain at seasonal highs despite crude easing from peak pricing levels, adding pressure on consumers ahead of the summer travel period.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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