Oil prices slip as Iran-Oman talks fuel hopes for US-Iran peace deal

Oil prices saw a modest increase on Thursday as talks between Iran and Oman aimed at fostering peace between the two nations provided some optimism. Brent crude futures rose by $3.04, or 3.83 percent, to $82.49 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed by $2.07, or 2.75 percent, to $77.29 a barrel. An Iranian lawmaker mentioned that a parliamentary committee is examining a preliminary bill to prohibit hostile U.S., Israeli, and other vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, with violators facing fines up to 20 percent of the cargo value.

Traders remain vigilant about the U.S.-Iran negotiations, with delays in reaching an agreement causing prices to decline. The Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical conduit for one-fifth of global daily oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions. The recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Saudi deployments in Marib and Hadramout have heightened concerns about the stability of the Red Sea passageway.

Despite these developments, the market remains volatile, with traders closely monitoring the geopolitical landscape in the region.