Shafaqna English– Tuesday(18 Aug 2026) saw crude prices register their third straight daily gain, propelled by diminishing prospects for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East. Tehran’s announcement that it would adopt a more confrontational stance, coupled with Washington’s explicit rejection of any truce extension, has significantly raised the geopolitical risk premium in oil markets and stoked fresh worries about potential supply disruptions.
By 06:41 GMT, Brent crude futures had advanced by 89 cents—representing a 1% gain—to settle at $91.76 per barrel, building on Monday’s uptick and reaching their highest level since July 30. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed $1.05 to $85.55 per barrel, also marking their strongest settlement since July 31 as both benchmarks reflected heightened geopolitical tension.
Source: Reuters