Oil back above $100 as conflicting claims emerge on US-Iran talks

Oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel Monday amid conflicting signals about U.S.-Iran negotiations, after President Trump indicated he would delay military strikes against Iran. Stock markets initially rallied on Trump's statement, reflecting investor relief over reduced near-term conflict risk in the Middle East. Crude oil remains volatile as traders weigh the threat of regional escalation against diplomatic progress, with energy prices sensitive to any disruption in supplies from one of the world's largest producers. The conflicting reports suggest uncertainty about the administration's Iran strategy, leaving markets vulnerable to sharp swings depending on how talks develop. Oil price movements ripple through global markets and consumer gas prices, making the trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations critical for the economic outlook.