The scheduled technical-level Iran-US talks were postponed from Wednesday to Saturday as diplomatic positioning continued. Foreign Minister Araghchi's undelivered Carnegie speech revealed a "trillion-dollar opportunity" for American companies while emphasizing Iran will never negotiate its security. Supreme Leader Khamenei reassured China that negotiations with the US aim to reduce tensions without changing Iran's "look east" policy.
Pope Francis's death dominated morning coverage, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday. The Vatican released images of his open coffin with Donald Trump planning to attend.
Economically, the IMF projected near-zero growth and 43.3% inflation for Iran this year. The dollar broke below the 70,000 toman threshold for the first time in months, while global gold prices reached a historic high of $3,500 per ounce.
In a surprising development, security forces reportedly withdrew from former Parliament Speaker Karroubi's residence, potentially ending his 5,180-day house arrest.