Iranian state media reports readiness for talks if US lifts blockade

Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported on April 22 that the country's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated Tehran is prepared for immediate negotiations if the United States lifts its naval blockade. Iravani emphasized that Washington must first cease what he described as violations of the ceasefire agreement. The report prompted an immediate market reaction, with short-term gains in gold and silver prices, while the U.S. dollar and oil prices declined. While the Associated Press and Russia's RIA Novosti had previously reported the ambassador's remarks, this marks the first time the comments have been carried by an official state media outlet linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.