Iran may face challenges in clearing oil inventories even after restrictions have been lifted, amid oil supplies elsewhere while China becomes less enthusiastic

The PDKI says six Kurdish fighters were killed in an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp ambush near Piranshahr, while the Revolutionary Guards claim five Kurdish militants dead.

Iran has begun a procession through its capital, Tehran, for the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud — were seen praying beside the coffins, while Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, did not make a public appearance.

By Jonathan Saul and Parisa Hafezi LONDON/DUBAI, July 3 (Reuters) - Iran has begun talks with Japanese companies under a U.S. sanctions waiver allowing it to resume oil sales, though prospective buyers are seeking a longer waiver and reassurances about ship safety,

Oil prices were little changed for the week as traders held on to hopes for a successful outcome of efforts to secure peace ​between the U.S. and Iran.

Cheaper, more plentiful crude offers countries a chance to refill stockpiles more quickly and counter Tehran’s ability to use the Strait of Hormuz for leverage.