Crude Oil Pulls Back

WTI crude futures swung around $92 per barrel on Wednesday and volatility is expected to persist as traders assess ongoing developments in the Middle East and a steady stream of headlines for signs that the conflict could ease soon and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could resume. The US military said it had fully halted commercial traffic to and from Iranian ports, though shipping data indicated that several Iran-linked vessels continued to transit the strait. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that the US Department of Defense plans to deploy an additional 6,000 troops to the region in the coming days, followed by a further 4,200 by the end of the month. Israeli forces also carried out airstrikes on towns in southern Lebanon. These developments come as a second round of talks between the US and Iran is expected in the near term. US President Trump said the conflict is “very close to over,” adding that Iranian authorities appear willing to reach a peace agreement.

WTI crude oil futures traded around $91 per barrel on Wednesday, fluctuating as markets weighed efforts to arrange a second round of US-Iran peace talks against the near-total blockade of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said discussions could resume within days and suggested the war may be close to ending, even as US forces continue to restrict Iranian exports. Washington’s naval actions have effectively halted maritime trade linked to Iran, while Tehran is reportedly considering limiting shipments to avoid further escalation. The conflict has caused a major supply shock, pushing up fuel costs and weakening demand, with the International Energy Agency forecasting a drop in consumption this year. Analysts expect prices to remain volatile, with any supply recovery likely to be gradual due to logistical constraints. Meanwhile, the API reported that US crude inventories rose by 6.1 million barrels last week, marking the eighth straight build.

WTI crude futures traded around $93 per barrel on Wednesday, holding losses from the previous session as investors anticipated a second round of peace negotiations between the US and Iran before the two-week ceasefire lapses. President Donald Trump reportedly indicated talks could restart “within the next two days” in Pakistan after last weekend’s discussions broke down. The US continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran is weighing a temporary halt in shipments via the corridor to support progress toward a deal. Meanwhile, the IEA expects global oil demand to decline this year for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, as elevated prices curb consumption. Separately, the API reported that US crude inventories increased by 6.1 million barrels last week, marking the eighth straight build.