Crude Oil Dips Even As U.S. Hardens Stance Against Iran Despite Ongoing Mediatory Efforts

Crude oil prices edged lower on Friday after a prior surge, but were supported by geopolitical uncertainty. U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks showed no sign of resumption despite intermediary efforts, and the U.S. said it was ruling out any planned negotiations. Net impact is mixed—near-term downside from profit-taking, offset by ongoing geopolitical risk premium.