Oil holds near $95 amid optimism over renewed USA, Iran talks

April 15, 2026 (MLN):  Oil prices continued to edge lower after closing in negative territory yesterday, as market sentiment improved on hopes that diplomatic efforts could ease tensions in the Middle East.

Currently, Brent crude futures is up  by $0.84 , or 0.89%, to $95.63 per barrel, according to data by Mettis Global.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures is up by $0.14, or 0.15%, to $91.42 per barrel by [10:58 am] PST.

Investors are watching closely as a potential second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is being discussed.

This renewed diplomatic momentum follows earlier indications that talks aimed at reducing regional tensions may restart before the end of a fragile two-week ceasefire period.

Sentiment was influenced by U.S. Vice President JD Vance statement that further progress in negotiations now depends on Iran, following inconclusive weekend talks.

He said Washington had “put a lot on the table” and suggested any potential agreement would hinge on Tehran meeting key U.S. demands, particularly regarding its nuclear program,

At the same time, reports suggest that U.S. restrictions affecting Iranian ports are beginning to impact trade flows. Washington claims several ships have already reversed course within the first day of enforcement, although shipments through alternative, non-Iranian routes are still operating.

In a recent analysis, Goldman Sachs stated that oil movement through key waterways remains significantly limited, operating at only around 10% of usual capacity approximately 2.1 million barrels per day on a four-day average, CNBC reported.

The bank also noted that actual disruptions to crude production in the region appear less severe than previously expected.

It estimated that output shutdowns in the Persian Gulf averaged about 8 million barrels per day in March, which is below earlier projections and also lower than estimates from the International Energy Agency.

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