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US oil prices rise as investors doubt breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 21, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 21, 2026

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US Oil Prices Rise Over $1 as US-Iran Peace Talks Fail to Deliver Breakthrough

Market Reactions to US-Iran Peace Talks

Early Trading and Investor Sentiment

TOKYO, May 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose more than $1 in early trade on Friday as investors doubted the prospects of a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran peace talks, with the two countries stuck in opposing stances over Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls on the Strait of Hormuz.

Statements from Key Officials

A senior Iranian source told Reuters no deal has been reached with the U.S. but the gaps have been narrowed, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been "some good signs" in talks but any toll system in the strait would be unacceptable.

Impact on US Crude Futures

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed as high as $98.00 a barrel and last traded up $1.20, or 1.3%, at $97.55 as of 2228 GMT. They fell about 2% on Thursday, closing at their lowest in nearly two weeks.

Weekly Performance Overview

The benchmark was still headed for a weekly loss of over 7%.

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Nia Williams)

Key Takeaways

  • U.S.–Iran talks making limited progress; impasse persists over uranium stockpile and Hormuz tolls, pressuring markets to reassess peace prospects (Rubio calls tolling proposal unacceptable) (jpost.com)
  • WTI crude rose about $1.20 to $97.55 by 2228 GMT on May 22, reversing prior losses, though prices still on track for weekly loss exceeding 7 % (investing.com)
  • Broader market anxiety reflects risk of prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure—key to global oil flows—as travel and fuel markets brace for continued instability (axios.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did US oil prices rise on May 22?
US oil prices rose due to investor doubts about a breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks and ongoing disagreements about Iran's uranium stockpile and the Strait of Hormuz.
How much did US West Texas Intermediate crude rise?
US WTI crude futures climbed as high as $98.00 a barrel and last traded up $1.20, or 1.3%, at $97.55 as of 2228 GMT.
What issues are causing delays in US-Iran peace talks?
Key issues include Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls or toll systems over the critical Strait of Hormuz.
What was the market trend for US crude before the rise?
US WTI crude had fallen about 2% on Thursday, closing at its lowest in nearly two weeks, and was still headed for a weekly loss of over 7%.

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