Brent Edges Lower as Iran and Israel Halt Strikes

Brent fell below $94 per barrel on Tuesday after surrendering most of the previous session’s gains, as Iran and Israel agreed to halt attacks against each other, boosting hopes that peace negotiations could move forward. The two countries exchanged strikes over the weekend, threatening a fragile ceasefire and fueling fears of a broader escalation. President Donald Trump urged both sides to deescalate and said talks with Tehran are continuing, adding that oil prices should ease once the conflict ends. While the ceasefire remains intact, the Strait of Hormuz is still effectively closed under a dual blockade by the US and Iran, severely disrupting shipments of crude, refined fuels, and natural gas to global markets.

Brent crude oil futures eased to $94 per barrel after having crossed $98 earlier on Monday after Iran stated it had ended its military operations against Israel. US President Trump added that both countries were close to a new ceasefire and that there was progress between Washington and Tehran, easing concerns that the escalation would hamper negotiations that gradually restore exports of oil through the Persian Gulf. Israel also signaled that it will hold fire for the moment, after an exchange of strikes with Iran over the weekend breached their ceasefire, driving oil futures higher in Asian trading. Separately, OPEC+ approved another increase in July oil production quotas of 188,000 barrels per day despite persistent supply risks stemming from tensions in the Middle East. Fresh data indicating an aggressive pullback in imports by China also limited supply pressures, as Asia's top consumer has relied on inventory instead of overseas supply since the start of the conflict.

Brent crude oil futures eased to $94 per barrel after having crossed $98 earlier on Monday after Iran stated it had ended its military operations against Israel. US President Trump added that both countries were close to a new ceasefire and that there was progress between Washington and Tehran, easing concerns that the escalation would hamper negotiations that gradually restore exports of oil through the Persian Gulf. Still, Israel refrained from signaling their de-escalation, after the first strikes between Iran and Israel since their ceasefire had driven oil futures to surge at the start of the week. Separately, OPEC+ approved another increase in July oil production quotas of 188,000 barrels per day despite persistent supply risks stemming from tensions in the Middle East. Fresh data indicating an aggressive pullback in imports by China also limited supply pressures, as Asia's top consumer has relied on inventory instead of overseas supply since the start of the conflict.