Iran Accuses Israel of Blocking Ceasefire Deal Amid Geopolitical Tensions

A ceasefire between the US and Iran expired on Monday without a new agreement in place, leading to heightened geopolitical tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi blamed Israel for trying to block the deal, saying it was the 'biggest opponent and obstacle' to its implementation.

President Donald Trump had rejected extending the 60-day memorandum of understanding between the two countries, citing US concerns that Iran had not met its commitments under the agreement. The deal aimed to end military operations and pave the way for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions.

In response to the ceasefire expiration, markets reacted with a decline in equity futures and an increase in oil prices. Brent crude rose 0.15% to $91.01 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil increased by 0.41% to $84.85 per barrel.