Major Gulf equity markets registered an early rebound on Tuesday on reports that Iran is considering participation in peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, raising cautious hopes for diplomacy as the two-week ceasefire nears its end, reports Reuters.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran was "positively reviewing" participation efforts by Pakistan to mediate, including moves aimed at ending a US blockade of Iranian ports, which has emerged as a major obstacle to reviving negotiations.
However, the official stressed that no final decision had been taken, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said continued US violations of the ceasefire remained a serious impediment to the diplomatic process.
Iran's top negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated that Tehran would not negotiate under threat. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz - which carries about a fifth of global oil supply - remained limited.
Most Gulf markets gain on hopes that US-Iran talks will proceed
FE Team | Published: April 21, 2026 22:38:05
Most Gulf markets gain on hopes that US-Iran talks will proceed
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