Brent Slips as Trump Targets Surging Energy Prices

Brent crude futures rose above $104 per barrel on Thursday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses amid conflicting statements from the US and Iran on efforts to end the conflict that has roiled global energy markets. Iran said it has no intention of entering talks with the US and would reject a proposed ceasefire, instead outlining its own conditions including sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the White House maintained that peace efforts are ongoing, with Washington reportedly sending a 15-point proposal to Iran via Pakistan aimed at resolving the conflict and reopening the critical waterway. The near-closure of Hormuz has severely disrupted global oil flows, resulting in the loss of millions of barrels of daily supply. While some vessels continue to transit under Iranian protection, US allies in the Asia-Pacific, including South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, are grappling with a worsening fuel shortage.

Brent crude oil futures dropped more than 2% to $102 per barrel on Wednesday as US diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran gained traction, overshadowing reports of additional troop deployments and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US reportedly drafted a 15-point plan delivered to Iran via Pakistan to help resolve the conflict, while around 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to the region to support security at the vital waterway. Iran signaled little willingness to compromise, firing missiles at Israel and ruling out ceasefire talks, while allowing some foreign ships to transit the strait under restrictions. The crisis has intensified global energy pressures, with Chevron warning of a potential California fuel crisis, hundreds of fuel shortages reported in Australia, the Philippines declaring a national energy emergency, and Asian nations reportedly hoarding jet fuel.

Brent crude futures dropped about 4% toward $100 per barrel on Wednesday, reversing the previous session’s gains amid reports that Washington was pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran. Israeli media indicated that the US was seeking a one-month ceasefire to facilitate talks, while the New York Times reported that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict. These developments outweighed concerns over further Middle East escalation after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of roughly 2,000 troops to the region, as the administration considered options to loosen Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, oil prices had risen about 5% after Tehran denied engaging in negotiations with the US and signaled it had no intention of restoring normal shipping conditions in the Strait, while US allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed readiness to join the conflict against Iran.