Oil prices fell sharply after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict.
Brent crude dropped to $88 per barrel, down from more than $98 earlier in the day. The sudden decline reflects renewed confidence in global oil supply after weeks of disruption.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this narrow waterway south of Iran. Any restriction in this route often leads to sharp price increases.
Iran Signals Stability in Oil Supply
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that commercial vessels can move freely through the strait during the ceasefire period. This announcement helped ease fears of supply shortages.
Earlier, tensions had slowed tanker traffic to very low levels. The reduced flow of oil and gas pushed global prices higher and created uncertainty in energy markets.
Before the conflict began, Brent crude traded below $70 per barrel. Prices later surged past $100 and peaked above $119 in March due to supply concerns. Although prices briefly rebounded above $90 later in the day, the overall trend showed relief in the market.
Global Markets Respond Positively
Stock markets reacted quickly to the news. Major US indices posted gains in early trading:
- S&P 500 rose by 1.2%
- Nasdaq increased by 1.3%
- Dow Jones climbed by 1.9%
European markets also moved higher. France’s CAC and Germany’s DAX both gained around 2%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 ended the day up by 0.7%.
Uncertainty Still Remains
Despite the positive reaction, maritime organizations continue to verify Iran’s claims. The Strait of Hormuz had effectively remained restricted since military strikes began earlier this year.
If the route stays open, it could stabilize oil prices and reduce pressure on global energy markets. However, any shift in the ceasefire situation may quickly reverse the trend
