Oil prices mixed as investors weigh Middle East escalation, chance of Russia-Ukraine peace deal

Live updates

1. 8d ago

   Oil prices maintain six-week highs amid US-Iran conflict

   Oil prices are holding near six-week highs as markets react to attacks between the US and Iran. Investors are balancing this Middle East escalation against the possibility of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. While geopolitical risks have pushed diesel prices to record levels, overall price movement remains mixed. The market volatility reflects a tension between supply disruptions in the Middle East and potential stability in Eastern Europe.

   Why it matters

   Energy markets are highly sensitive to disruptions in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Europe. Continued strikes in the Middle East threaten global supply chains. A resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war could offset these gains by stabilizing global crude availability.

   What is confirmed

   • Oil prices are holding near six-week highs.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iranian missiles were fired at Kuwait.
   • Diesel prices have reached a record high.
   • Investors are weighing a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of missile strikes in Kuwait
   • Formal peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
   • Further military escalations between the US and Iran
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
   2. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Coronavirus Impact on Crude Oil Price
   3. jen.jiji.com — Monza GP, Antonelli triumphs and extends lead in the World Championship: finishing order and how the drivers' standings change after the Italian Grand Prix
   4. www.lse.co.uk — Oil prices hold near six-week highs on US-Iran attacks
   confidence 70%
2. 11d ago

   Oil Prices Mixed as U.S.-Iran Conflict Intensifies

   Oil prices ended the week mixed but on track for their steepest weekly gain since mid-July. Market volatility stems from intensifying U.S.-Iran tensions, including renewed strikes and reports of Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait. While Middle East escalation pushes prices higher, investors are simultaneously weighing the potential for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Diesel prices have reached a record high as the market reacts to these geopolitical risks.

   Why it matters

   The Middle East is a primary source of global oil supply, making any conflict involving Iran a direct threat to stability. Market participants are balancing these immediate war risks against broader geopolitical shifts in Eastern Europe.

   What is confirmed

   • Oil is set for its steepest weekly gain since mid-July due to intensifying U.S.-Iran tensions.
   • Diesel prices have hit a record high.
   • Crude futures ended the period mixed.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran fired missiles at Kuwait.
   • Investors are weighing a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Further military escalation between the U.S. and Iran
   • Confirmation of Iranian strikes in Kuwait
   • Official updates regarding Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. The New York Times — Oil Jumps for Fourth Straight Day and Diesel Nears Record High
   2. WSJ — Crude Futures End Mixed With No End in Sight to U.S.-Iran Conflict
   3. CNBC — Oil prices little changed after Iran fires missiles at Kuwait
   4. Reuters — Oil prices mixed as investors weigh Middle East escalation, chance of Russia-Ukraine peace deal
   5. Bloomberg.com — Oil Heads for Biggest Weekly Gain Since July on Iran War Risks
   6. Reuters — Oil set for steepest weekly gain since mid-July over intensifying US-Iran tensions
   7. CNBC — Oil set for steepest weekly gain since mid-July over intensifying U.S.-Iran tensions
   8. www.lse.co.uk — Oil ends week higher on renewed US-Iran strikes, diesel hits record
   9. www.marketscreener.com — Investors Watching Every Data Point: Haefele
   confidence 85%