Crude oil prices extended their sharp decline on Tuesday, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) falling 3% to $78.4 per barrel and Brent crude dropping 2.6% to $81 per barrel. The latest losses followed steep declines on Monday and pushed both benchmarks to their lowest levels since early March.
The selloff marked a fourth consecutive session of losses, putting oil on track for its longest losing streak of the year. Investors continued to react to growing optimism surrounding a potential agreement between the United States and Iran that could restore oil flows through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Sentiment shifted rapidly after reports indicated that Washington and Tehran had virtually signed an interim agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Gulf region.
According to senior US officials, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance signed the agreement electronically, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran. Both are now preparing to formally sign their interim peace deal in Switzerland on Friday,
The deal reportedly includes provisions to end the US blockade of Iranian ports, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and launch 60 days of nuclear negotiations.
Why does this matter so much for oil markets? The answer is straightforward. The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world's most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global crude exports.
Any indication that shipments could return to normal immediately reduces fears of supply disruptions, which had previously supported higher oil prices.
Oil traders increasingly expect the waterway to reopen following months of disruptions that limited exports from the region.
The effective closure of the strait contributed to declining global inventories and heightened concerns about energy shortages earlier this year. As a result, crude prices surged during the peak of tensions between the United States and Iran.
Now, expectations have shifted in the opposite direction.
Market participants believe the agreement could gradually restore supply flows and improve shipping conditions across the Gulf. However, uncertainty remains regarding implementation details, including security arrangements and the timeline for fully reopening the route.
An interim agreement is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, though neither side has released complete details of the framework.
Speaking during the G7 summit in France, Trump expressed optimism about future relations with Tehran.
The president said Iran's current leadership wants to help the country and suggested that economic prospects could improve significantly if a final agreement is reached. At the same time, he reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump also revealed that Washington had prepared more aggressive military options if negotiations failed.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance stated that he expects United Nations nuclear inspectors to return to Iran during the 60-day negotiation period. He also emphasized that there would be "no tolls" imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the improving outlook between Washington and Tehran, risks remain elevated across the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged disagreements with the Trump administration regarding regional policy. Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah also continued in southern Lebanon, raising questions about the durability of broader peace efforts.
Even so, traders appear focused on the possibility of recovering oil supplies rather than ongoing geopolitical tensions.
With the market increasingly pricing in a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a potential increase in Iranian exports, crude oil remains under pressure as investors await further details on the agreement expected later this week.
