Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran deal

Breaking news from the markets: Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran deal8 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GooglePeter HoskinsBusiness reporterReutersOil prices have fallen sharply on hopes of a deal that could bring an end to the US-Israel war with Iran. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Tehran had been "largely negotiated" and details would be announced soon but the following day urged his negotiating team not to rush an agreement. On Monday morning in Asia, global oil benchmark Brent was down by 5% at $98.

10), while US-traded crude was 5. Trump had previously said the deal would include the reopening of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route, without giving further details. The narrow waterway, through which around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes, has been effectively closed since the conflict started on 28 February.

Economic Details

Trump said on social media on Saturday that he had a "very good call" with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others about a "Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE". "An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed," Trump said. "Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.

"He also said he had a call on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which "went very well". The president did not give any further details on the deal, but has insisted any agreement would "absolutely" prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But on Sunday, he said on Truth Social: "Both sides must take their time and get it right.

There can be no mistakes! "Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei earlier told state television that US and Iranian positions had been converging in the last week, but warned that did not mean agreements would be reached on key issues and accused the Americans of "contradictory statements". Global energy markets have been rocked since early March after Iran threatened to attack ships trying to use the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on the country.

Analyst Views

Tehran also attacked Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. A ceasefire was agreed in early April, and since then Washington and Tehran have engaged in talks over a long-term peace deal. "There is now some light at the end of the tunnel, which will bring some near term oil price relief," Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial.

"But even in the most optimistic scenario from here, oil markets will remain tight through 2027 given the time required to normalise oil flows through the Strait, repair damaged oil facilities, and rebuild global oil stocks that have seen record depletion since the war began," he added.

Financial markets are tracking the development closely as investors assess the likely impact.