Oil Falls as Investors Weigh U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Progress, Houthi Threats -- Market Talk

0726 GMT - Oil prices tick lower as traders weigh signs of diplomatic progress to end the Middle East war against renewed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. In early European trading, front-month Brent crude is down 0.7% to $105.90 a barrel, while WTI futures fall 1.5% to $93.28 a barrel. An attempted Houthi strike on Thursday revived concerns over potential disruptions to Saudi energy infrastructure and regional supply routes. However, gains were limited by reports that the U.S. and Iran are exploring a phased framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "Optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran truce encouraged profit-taking," analysts at brokerage Kotak Neo say. "Near-term direction will depend on the progress of negotiations, further Houthi activity and upcoming inventory data." (giulia.petroni@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 25, 2026 03:27 ET (07:27 GMT)