Commodities

Oil prices volatile on hopes of US-Iran de-escalation

Nikos Tzabouras Written by Nikos Tzabouras

USOil Analysis

The Middle East conflict has entered its fourth week and despite a recent escalation in rhetoric, hopes for an off-ramp are now emerging. After giving a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its power plants [1], President Trump appears to be easing his stance. He has since spoken of productive talks with Tehran and said the US will postpone strikes on Iran's power plants and oil facilities for five days, conditional on the success of ongoing meetings.[2]

This removes the immediate escalation risk and creates hopes for an eventual conclusion to the military campaign that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz - the crucial transit corridor accounting for around 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption in 2024[3]. Should oil infrastructure not face more long-lasting damage and the Strait reopen, flows could normalise relatively quickly as a well-supplied market can absorb near-term disruption. This would shift focus back to unfavourable fundamentals, with the IEA still expecting supply to outstrip demand growth this year.[4]

Following President Trump's latest announcement, oil prices have dropped. USOil is now vulnerable to a move below the EMA200 that could reinstate the bearish outlook. Still, with disruptions ongoing and as long as it holds above the EMA200, USOil can extend its gains.

The situation remains volatile as Iranian officials have dismissed such negotiations according to local media[5]. IEA Director Fatih Birol spoke of severe damage to more than forty energy assets in the region, according to Bloomberg. Damage has been done and as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the market tightens, which could alter previously unfavourable supply-demand dynamics.

Nikos Tzabouras

Senior Financial Editorial Writer

Nikos Tzabouras is a graduate of the Department of International & European Economic Studies at the Athens University of Economics and Business. With extensive experience in market analysis and a strong foundation in international relations, he brings a unique perspective to financial markets. Nikos emphasizes not only technical analysis but also on fundamentals and the growing influence of geopolitics on financial trends.

As a Senior Financial Editorial Writer, he delivers comprehensive and forward-looking insights across a wide range of asset classes, including equities, commodities, and currencies. His work explores how macroeconomic events, political developments, and global policies impact market dynamics, providing readers with a deeper understanding of both short-term movements and long-term trends.

References

1

Retrieved 23 Mar 2026 https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116269822349947644

2

Retrieved 23 Mar 2026 https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116278232362967212

3

Retrieved 23 Mar 2026 https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php

4

Retrieved 23 Mar 2026 https://www.iea.org/reports/oil-market-report-march-2026

5

Retrieved 01 May 2026 https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/03/23/3547520/source-dismisses-iran-us-talks-says-trump-has-backed-off

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