WTI crude futures dropped about 5% to below $88 per barrel on Wednesday, reversing the previous session’s gains amid reports that Washington was pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran. Israeli media indicated that the US was seeking a one-month ceasefire to facilitate talks, while the New York Times reported that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict. These developments outweighed concerns over further Middle East escalation after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of roughly 2,000 troops to the region, as the administration considered options to loosen Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, oil prices had risen about 5% after Tehran denied engaging in negotiations with the US and signaled it had no intention of restoring normal shipping conditions in the Strait, while US allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed readiness to join the conflict against Iran.
