09:00 - 18.08.2026

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August 18, Fineko/abc.az. Oil prices rose as Iran warned it would shift to a "fully offensive" military stance if talks fail, while the US ruled out extending the temporary ceasefire, sharpening concerns over Middle Eastern crude supplies. Brent crude futures gained 0.3% to $91.14 per barrel, while US WTI crude rose 42 cents to $85.04.

Supply risks have mounted due to severely reduced maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, coupled with missile attacks by Yemen's Houthis on military vessels in the Red Sea. However, reported behind-the-scenes talks between the Trump administration and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps offer a slight glimmer of hope for a diplomatic opening.