Rumors of Negotiations Pull Oil Prices Down The simultaneous publication of positive news regarding Iran-US negotiations and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz once again impacted the oil market and drove prices down. Most recently, Kyodo and Reuters, citing Iranian sources, claimed that Tehran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days if US military pressure is reduced and port blockades are lifted—a report that was accompanied by a drop in oil prices. However, Iranian sources have declared these reports to be invalid and incorrect. This occurred as oil prices dropped by about 3% yesterday, coinciding with a Pakistani official's visit to Tehran, bringing Brent down to the $100 range. The repetition of this trend—from the release of positive negotiation news alongside diplomatic maneuvers to the drop in oil prices—has turned into a recurring scenario. Under such circumstances, Iranian officials must remain vigilant and cautious regarding the consequences of publishing these narratives and their impact on the oil market.