Iran risks economic hardship, unrest if US deal fails in 60 days: Zarif

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has issued a stark warning that Iran may experience increased economic hardship, domestic unrest, and potential military strikes if it fails to secure a final agreement with the United States within a 60-day negotiation window. This period was established following a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. Recent exchanges between the two nations have strained diplomatic efforts, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Zarif’s warning underscores the potential consequences of a diplomatic failure, suggesting a risk of further escalation in military conflict and economic instability within Iran. Key Takeaways Zarif’s comments appear to introduce uncertainty into the market, with participants possibly interpreting this as a decrease in confidence for a successful U.S.-Iran deal. The warning is consistent with concerns about renewed military action and economic pressure if negotiations fail, affecting market expectations for reconstruction funding in a potential deal. Current odds in related markets reflect a cautious stance, with no significant increase in confidence for a deal being reached within t...