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diplomacyAug 18, 2026

Oil Prices Rally For Third Day: Brent Crude Tops $91 As US Signals No Rush To End Iran War

Summary

- Oil prices rose for a third session as US-Iran conflict resolution prospects faded - Brent crude surpassed $91 per barrel reaching its highest since late July - US and Iran remain divided over Strait of Hormuz management and related issues Oil prices rose for a third straight session on Tuesday as the prospect of a near-term resolution to the US-Iran war faded, with President Donald Trump signalling that Washington is in no hurry to extend an agreement with Tehran. Brent crude rose above $91 a barrel, after settling at its highest level since late July, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $85. The memorandum referenced by Trump was signed in June and technically expired on Monday. The two sides remain divided over several issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Middle Eastern energy shipments. Iran is negotiating with Oman over the management of the waterway, while Washington is not part of those talks. Trump has also threatened military action against Oman if it interferes with the US blockade, according to Fox News. ALSO READ: Trump Points To India's Voting ID System In Push To Pass 'The Save America Act' US Signals Prolonged Pressure On Iran US officials have indicated that Washington is prepared for a prolonged conflict. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Fox News that the US was playing the long game with Iran, while envoy Jared Kushner said Trump would remain patient in negotiations. The US has also signalled that economic pressure could play a bigger role in forcing Tehran to concede. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that new measures would be announced that would be unlike previous sanctions. Oil has gained almost 50% this year as the conflict has disrupted energy flows from the Middle East. Persian Gulf producers, however, have been finding ways to move crude through Hormuz to international buyers. Saudi Arabia is offering some cargoes from outside the chokepoint, following a strategy also adopted by the United Arab Emirates to move barrels to global markets. For traders, the next major cue will come from US inventory data. Crude stockpiles unexpectedly increased last week to their highest level in about two months. ALSO READ: Stock Market Today: All You Need To Know Going Into Trade On August 19 Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.

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  • Yukta BaidBy Yukta Baid

    - Oil prices rose for a third session as US-Iran conflict resolution prospects faded - Brent crude surpassed $91 per barrel reaching its highest since late July - US and Iran remain divided over Strait of Hormuz management and related issues Oil prices rose for a third straight s

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Kpler data indicates that transits through the Strait of Hormuz decreased to six vessels on Tuesday, well below the recent daily average, amid conflicting official statements regarding the waterway's status; U.S. President Donald Trump asserted the strait is open and no negotiations with Iran are ongoing, while Iranian authorities have claimed it remains shut.

Consequently, major Chinese shipping firms report keeping tankers out of the region since late July, raising concerns about disruptions to global oil and LNG supplies, though the full extent of these logistical impacts remains under assessment.

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Shipping data indicates a reduction in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb amid security concerns, with Chinese shipping firms reportedly halting operations in these waters since late July. While US President Donald Trump stated the strait was open and denied ongoing talks with Iran, Iranian authorities maintain that it remains blocked to shipping.

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Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the US meets Tehran's demands, including lifting a naval blockade. "I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding...

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Bitcoin prices rose in contrast to U.S. stock indices, with the S&P 500 rebounding from its lowest level since August 4. This divergence followed President Trump’s social media assertions that the Strait of Hormuz is fully operational and free of mines, which contradicted earlier reports of a naval blockade and territorial disputes with Iran.

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