Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said some Washington-led sanctions must be eased in practice before direct dialogue with the US can resume, arguing that escalating economic pressure is closing diplomatic avenues. In a post on X, he said threats and sanctions must be removed to pave the way for talks. The article links this to Trump's waiver of the Graham sanctions package just ahead of its expected enactment and a rise in direct Moscow-Washington dialogue. Iran's economy is under heavy strain, with the rial plunging amid runaway inflation, though its leaders say the country can endure for years; US Central Command chief Brad Cooper claimed financial pressure is leading Iran-aligned militias to withhold soldiers' pay. Iran's central bank chief Abdolnaser Hemmati rejected claims the economy is collapsing, while Araghchi warned that escalation would put civilian lives and the global economy at great risk.
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| Market | Gold |
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| Close on 10/21/2026 | 4,141.17 |
| Change that session | +0.39% |
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