Oil prices steady as investors weigh impact of expanded US sanctions against Iran
Oil prices stabilized after a sharp decline as investors evaluated the impact of new US secondary sanctions against Iran. While the US is pursuing economic pressure, analysts suggest the market is currently pricing this as a lower-risk scenario than direct military conflict.
Why it matters
Fluctuations in oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have significant implications for global inflation and energy markets.
Both Brent and US West Texas Intermediate fell more than 2 per cent on Monday (Aug 24), with US crude oil falling to a one-week low on profit-taking after prices rallied over the previous two weeks.
The sun sets behind oil pumps outside Vaudoy-en-Brie, near Paris, France, on Mar 18, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Christian Hartmann)
Oil prices steadied on Tuesday (Aug 25), after falling more than 2 per cent in the previous session, as investors assessed the impact of harsher US secondary sanctions against Iran .
Brent crude futures were down 9 cents, or 0.1 per cent, at US$92.16 by 1.04am GMT (9.04am, Singapore time), while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 1 cent at US$85.02 a barrel.
Both contracts fell more than 2 per cent on Monday, with US crude oil falling to a one-week low on profit-taking after prices rallied over the previous two weeks.
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