Oil Prices Rise as Iran War Diplomacy Hits Dead End

NEW YORK, May 11 – Oil prices climbed further at the start of the week after peace talks between Iran and the United States (US) collapsed, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

A barrel (159 litres) of North Sea Brent crude for July delivery rose by just over 4 per cent to US$105.76 in early trading on Monday. 

The oil price had risen at the end of last week, after falling to US$96 on Thursday amid hopes of a diplomatic solution to the West Asia conflict.

However, efforts by Washington and Tehran to defuse tensions have shown little progress.

US President Donald Trump described Iran’s latest response to a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict as “totally unacceptable” and issued fresh threats against Tehran.

Iran rejected the US proposal, with state media portraying it effectively as a demand for Tehran’s surrender.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until key concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme are resolved.