Oil edges up as Iran rejects direct talks with U.S. envoys; Brent at $73.45, WTI at $70.13
Oil prices climbed after Iran said it would not hold direct talks with U.S. envoys, weighing on prospects for an interim ceasefire in the Middle East and prompting a fresh repricing of geopolitical risk. Brent futures rose 0.69% to $73.45 a barrel and WTI gained 0.91% to $70.13. U.S. inventory figures from the API showed crude stocks fell 6.1 million barrels last week and gasoline inventories also declined, adding support to prices. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also recovered to prewar levels, easing fears of supply disruption.