SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose in early trading on Tuesday amid renewed supply concerns, as Iran denied holding talks with the United States to end the ongoing Gulf conflict, contradicting claims by US President Donald Trump.
Brent crude futures increased by $1.06, or 1.1%, to $101 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $1.58, or 1.8%, to $89.71.
The gains followed a sharp drop of more than 10% in the previous session after Donald Trump said he had ordered a five-day delay in potential strikes on Iran’s power plants and claimed “productive” contacts with Iranian officials had yielded significant progress.
Market analysts said the temporary pause in escalation reduced the immediate “war premium” in oil prices, though uncertainty remains high due to continued tensions and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Despite the pause, Iran rejected claims of negotiations, describing them as attempts to influence financial markets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also said it had launched fresh attacks on US-linked targets and dismissed the US president’s remarks.
Energy markets remain volatile as fighting has damaged infrastructure across the region. Recent reports by Fars News Agency said gas facilities in Isfahan and a pipeline near Khorramshahr were struck in the latest incidents.
Analysts expect prices to remain elevated, with projections suggesting a floor between $85 and $90 per barrel, and a possible rise toward $110 or higher if disruptions persist. Some forecasts indicate Brent crude could reach $150 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed for an extended period.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said it is consulting governments on potential further releases of strategic oil reserves if supply conditions worsen.