Brent Climbs on Renewed US-Iran Tensions

Brent crude oil futures rose toward $96 per barrel on Thursday after renewed attacks in the Persian Gulf increased concerns over energy supplies, while traders continued to watch for signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The US said it destroyed several attack drones near the strait, while Kuwait reported intercepting a missile fired toward the country. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said several ships attempted unauthorized entry into the Persian Gulf, with some forced to turn back, warning it would respond strongly to any disruption in Hormuz. Despite the rebound, oil prices remain sharply lower for the week and month as markets still expect a potential deal between Washington and Tehran. Negotiations remain difficult, with disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and control of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US crude inventories fell by 2.8 million barrels last week according to the API.

Brent crude futures climbed toward $97 per barrel on Thursday, rebounding from losses in the previous session as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran weakened expectations for a near-term peace agreement that could end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US forces reportedly struck an Iranian military site believed to pose a threat to American troops and commercial shipping routes through Hormuz, while also intercepting Iranian drones. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted a US airbase, though it did not disclose the location. Washington and Tehran also remained at odds over major sticking points in negotiations, including Iran’s insistence on maintaining control of the strait and preserving its nuclear program. Despite the latest escalation, oil prices are still on track for a second consecutive weekly decline amid expectations that both sides could eventually reach a peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures climbed toward $97 per barrel on Thursday, recovering losses from the previous session as negotiations between the US and Iran remained deadlocked over several key issues tied to ending the conflict. Reports of fresh US strikes on Iran also stoked fears of further disruptions to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Among the main obstacles are Tehran’s demands to maintain control of the strait and preserve its nuclear program. President Donald Trump also reiterated that Washington would not accept what he described as a bad deal, while rejecting any sanctions relief despite Iran’s calls for an end to attacks and economic concessions. Even so, oil prices remain on track for a second straight weekly decline amid expectations that both sides could eventually secure a peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.