
*Oil prices fell sharply after the US and Iran paused military strikes, prompting investors to unwind part of the geopolitical risk premium that had lifted Brent above $100 and WTI near $92 last week.
*Diplomatic optimism improved sentiment, with both sides suspending military actions and Iran resuming talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, easing immediate concerns over supply disruptions.
Crude oil prices retreated sharply after the United States and Iran paused military strikes over the weekend following nearly two weeks of escalating conflict, prompting investors to unwind part of the geopolitical risk premium that had driven Brent crude above $100 per barrel and WTI close to $92 last week. Brent fell more than 5%, briefly slipping below $90, while WTI declined toward the mid-$80s, marking their lowest levels in nearly a week. The pause came after the Trump administration suspended further military operations to allow more time for diplomacy, while Iran also halted retaliatory actions and resumed discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes that tensions could ease and regional oil supplies stabilize.
Despite the sharp correction, the geopolitical backdrop remains highly fragile. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% of global oil trade, remains well below normal, with Kpler data showing fewer than ten commodity vessels transiting the waterway daily over the weekend. At the same time, Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed attacks on Saudi Aramco-linked facilities at the Red Sea ports of Jizan and Yanbu, while traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait also slowed, highlighting that risks to regional energy infrastructure persist even as direct US-Iran hostilities have temporarily eased. Analysts warned that any recovery in shipping flows is likely to be gradual as tanker operators continue to assess security conditions before resuming normal operations.
The recent rally in crude prices was also supported by broader supply-side concerns, including reduced exports through the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions at Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminals, Kazakhstan’s production and export constraints, ongoing Russia-Ukraine-related supply risks, and tight global diesel markets. While the latest diplomatic developments have removed part of the immediate war premium, analysts continue to caution that the market remains highly sensitive to any deterioration in Middle East security. Some estimates suggest that every additional month of significant disruption to Hormuz shipping could add several dollars per barrel to crude prices, while strategic petroleum reserves have also been drawn down, reducing the market’s buffer against future supply shocks.
Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor whether diplomatic efforts translate into a sustained de-escalation or whether renewed attacks reverse the recent correction. Attention is also shifting toward this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, US Q2 GDP, PCE inflation, and major corporate earnings, which could influence expectations for US interest rates and global oil demand. While easing geopolitical tensions have reduced immediate inflation concerns and pressured crude prices, any renewed disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz or the Red Sea could quickly restore the geopolitical risk premium, reinforcing upside risks for oil prices and broader inflation expectations.
Technical Analysis


Crude Oil, H4:
Crude oil has shifted into a short-term corrective phase after its strong rally stalled below the 92.50 resistance area. Price has broken below the ascending trendline and slipped beneath the 87.60 support level, signaling that bullish momentum has weakened considerably. The next downside target lies near 78.05, while the broader support zone around 68.90 remains crucial if the selloff accelerates. To restore the bullish structure, price would first need to reclaim 87.60, followed by a move back toward 95.80.
Momentum indicators clearly favor the bears. RSI has fallen sharply to around 45, slipping below its moving average and reflecting fading buying pressure without yet reaching oversold conditions. At the same time, MACD has produced a bearish crossover below the signal line, with expanding negative histogram bars indicating downside momentum continues to build. Overall, crude oil is undergoing a healthy correction following its recent rally, with sellers currently maintaining the upper hand.
Resistance Levels: 87.60, 95.80
Support Levels: 78.05, 68.90
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