The main US oil contract slid below $80 a barrel Tuesday after President Donald Trump signaled optimism over a deal to end Middle East hostilities.
West Texas Intermediate tumbled 3.2 percent to $79.98 a barrel and the main international benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, shed 3.7 percent to $85.10 a barrel.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday said it was not currently involved in negotiations with the United States, despite a halt in recent fighting between the two sides.
“At present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States,” said the ministry’s spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei at a weekly press briefing, denying reports that Iran had requested talks.
The ministry also warned of “unforeseen” consequences following Ukraine’s attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea over the weekend. (AFP)
