Oil Prices Plunge After Ceasefire in Middle East
Crude oil prices dropped sharply on Tuesday, reaching a two-week low after a ceasefire agreement—brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran—eased fears of supply disruptions in the region.
Brent crude declined by 3.5% to $69 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate also fell 3.5%, to $66.14. Earlier in the day, both contracts had plummeted by as much as 5%, according to Reuters.
“Oil prices fell sharply, as U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities failed to trigger a wider conflict that could pose a threat to regional supplies,” Barclays noted in a briefing shared with the news wire.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had been ordered to retaliate against Tehran following alleged violations. Iran has denied any breach of the agreement.
The geopolitical risk premium that had driven oil prices to five-month highs has now eased, but analysts caution that the risk of renewed escalation remains high.
“The geopolitical premium has deflated, but tensions between Israel and Iran remain unresolved—and the risk of missteps and renewed escalation still lingers,” said SEB’s Ole Hvalbye.
