Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs as Iran Ceasefire Talks and AI Rally Boost Markets 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
US Dollar Slips as Markets Weigh Potential US-Iran Peace Deal and Oil Price Outlook 
Oil prices remained steady on Tuesday as investors monitored rising geopolitical tensions following Iran’s naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The military exercises took place just hours before scheduled nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva, adding uncertainty to the global energy market outlook.
Brent crude futures slipped 0.2% to $68.59 per barrel after gaining 1.3% in the previous session. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $63.73 per barrel, up 84 cents or 1.34%. The WTI move reflected Monday’s price activity, as there was no official settlement due to the U.S. Presidents Day holiday.
Market sentiment remains sensitive to developments in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global crude oil exports. Iran, along with OPEC members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq, ships most of its oil through this strategic waterway, largely supplying Asian markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would be “indirectly” involved in the nuclear negotiations and expressed optimism about a potential agreement, though he previously suggested regime change in Iran could be beneficial. Analysts note that any diplomatic breakthrough could ease geopolitical risk premiums currently embedded in oil prices. Conversely, further escalation may drive crude prices higher.
According to ANZ analysts, oil markets remain unsettled amid broader geopolitical risks, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Citi analysts added that if disruptions to Russian supply keep Brent crude between $65 and $70 per barrel, OPEC+ may increase production using spare capacity. The group is reportedly considering resuming output hikes from April to prepare for peak summer demand.
Citi projects that potential diplomatic resolutions involving both Iran and Russia-Ukraine could push Brent prices down to the $60–$62 range later this year, signaling possible volatility ahead for global oil markets.
