(Bloomberg) -- Here is a snapshot of what’s happening with Iran, its nuclear talks and energy markets.

Latest developments

Iran said it will consider dealing directly with the U.S. in nuclear negotiations, in the latest signal that world powers are closer to a deal.

“If in the process of the negotiations, we reach a stage whereby getting to a good deal with top guarantees requires us having discussions with the Americans on certain levels, we won’t overlook this in our plans,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in Tehran on Monday.

Iran and nations such as the U.S., China and Germany are trying to restore a 2015 accord that limited the Islamic Republic’s atomic activities in return for sanctions relief, including on oil exports. Tehran’s so far refused to speak directly with the U.S., instead relaying its position through other countries’ envoys. That’s hindered the progress of the talks in Vienna.

Amirabdollahian’s comments came as divisions emerge among U.S. negotiators over how tough to be with Tehran, the Wall Street Journal reported. Richard Nephew, the deputy special envoy for Iran, has left the team, the newspaper said, citing anonymous U.S. officials.

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Oil

Oil rebounded from a three-day losing streak, with traders focusing on the still-positive demand outlook as the coronavirus pandemic eases. Brent climbed almost 1% to above $87 a barrel by 7:00 am in London on Tuesday.

The Iranian nuclear talks are critical for oil traders. If there’s a deal, Iran may be able to raise exports enough that crude prices fall. If not, they could continue on the path toward $100 a barrel.

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