Oil prices steady after Trump says Iran wants to negotiate
Crude oil futures were little changed on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate over its nuclear program in the wake of six days of Israeli airstrikes.
U.S. crude oil futures rose 30 cents, or 0.4%, to close at $75.14 a barrel, while global benchmark Brent gained 25 cents, or 0.25%, to settle at $76.70 per barrel. Prices had jumped more than 4% on Tuesday after Trump called for Iran’s unconditional surrender.
The president told reporters outside the White House Wednesday that the Iranians had reached out to him and suggested that they send a delegation to the White House to negotiate.
“They want to negotiate,” Trump said. “They even suggested that they come to the White House. That’s courageous. It’s like not easy for them to do.”
Trump confirmed Wednesday that he was considering a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, though he indicated that no final decision had been made on whether to attack.
Source: CNBC