Markets Breathe a Sigh of Relief: Middle East Peace Prospects Erase Previous Oil Gains

 Oil futures erased recent gains as investors' attention shifted toward Islamabad, where decisive talks to end the US-Iran conflict are expected. Brent crude recorded $94.53 while WTI May delivery contracts dropped to $88.07. Experts believe that the mere possibility of reaching a permanent de-escalation has eased the "risk premium" that was driving prices up, pending the outcome of the coming hours before the ceasefire expires early Thursday, which will determine the course of the global energy market for the upcoming period of 2026.