The US/Iran conflict has again pushed up crude oil prices

New developments surrounding the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East have again pushed up crude oil prices on the international market.

Prices moved higher on Thursday, with WTI trading near $92 a barrel and Brent rising above $95, as markets recovered from earlier weakness.

The recovery comes as traders reassess geopolitical risks and consider whether ongoing ceasefire discussions can stabilize supply lines.

The Coin Paper report suggests that Washington and Tehran are considering extending their current two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations. That possibility is starting to shift sentiment.

The White House has signaled optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal, and officials have pointed to a possible second round of talks in Pakistan. At the same time, Iranian officials were engaged in parallel discussions, including meetings in Tehran aimed at conveying messages between the two sides.

Despite the negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to a US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. This chokepoint handles the majority of global oil shipments, so any disruption would be immediate in energy markets.

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Although US officials said they had stopped commercial traffic to and from Iranian ports, some ships with ties to Iran continued to move through the strait.

Iran has also issued a warning. Officials have indicated that extending the blockade could trigger retaliation, including disruptions in the Persian Gulf, Sea of ​​Oman and even the Red Sea. These threats continue to strengthen the risk premium on oil prices.

At the same time, military developments continue to influence expectations. Reports indicate that the US Department of Defense plans to deploy thousands of additional troops to the region in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon highlight how the conflict is not confined to one front.

These overlapping tensions complicate this view. Even as diplomacy strengthens, military activity continues to influence trader sentiment. Markets now face two competing forces: optimism around negotiations and concerns about escalation.

Attention now turns to the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran. These discussions will likely focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program. Progress on either side can quickly change the direction of the market.

Investors are also monitoring broader regional diplomacy. The planned talks between Israel and Lebanon mark another potential turning point, especially as efforts to reduce cross-border tensions gain momentum.

The oil market now moves in a narrow but volatile range, reacting to every update. Traders are watching for confirmation of an extension of the ceasefire and any signal that shipping routes will reopen. Each title has weight, and price changes reflect that reality in real-time.