The dollar strengthened on Friday morning in Israel and global markets after Iran announced it was postponing the signing of an agreement with the United States, which had been scheduled for today. In local trading, the dollar rose 0.3% to 2.954 shekels. The euro held steady at 3.376 shekels, while the pound edged up to 3.897 shekels.
Overseas, the euro slipped 0.2% against the dollar to $1.143, and the pound fell 0.1% to $1.320. In Japan, the dollar was unchanged at 161.36 yen. The dollar index, which tracks the currency against a basket of major rivals, gained 0.2% to 100.79 points.
The agreement between the US and Iran had already been signed by President Donald Trump, but the formal completion is now becoming more complicated. The signing ceremony was supposed to take place today at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, but Iran delayed its delegation’s departure for the talks. Pakistan’s prime minister also canceled his planned arrival, and US Vice President JD Vance postponed his trip to Switzerland.
According to Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network, which is identified with Hezbollah, Tehran made the decision after IDF strikes in southern Lebanon. A source familiar with the matter told the outlet that Tehran conveyed to Washington and the mediators that the Lebanese arena is a central part of its position in the continued talks, and that ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon are seen by Iran as a violation of the memorandum of understanding.
