No end to deadlock as Iran, US reject talks terms

AI Summary

Diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States remain stalled as both countries reject proposed terms. Iran is pushing for the release of its frozen assets and lift on US sanctions, while recent sharp exchanges have escalated tensions, threatening stability in the Gulf region.

Iran said Monday it had demanded the release of its frozen assets and the end of a US blockade of its ports, after President Donald Trump angrily rejected Tehran's terms for ending the Middle East war. The sharp exchange of messages raised the spectre of a return to open conflict in the Gulf, dashed hopes of a quick negotiated deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and sent oil prices higher.