Oil Holds Near Lows as Trump Threats Keep Iran Deal in Flux

Oil prices remain near three-month lows after the U.S.-Iran framework deal reopened the Strait of Hormuz and slashed geopolitical risk premiums. Prices plunged over 5% on June 15, with WTI dropping to $80.06 and Brent to $83, extending losses from mid-June de-escalation hopes. The move followed early June escalation with U.S. strikes, Iranian blockade threats, and Trump canceling attacks before claiming a breakthrough. By June 18 renewed threats to bomb Iran if terms are violated have kept markets volatile, with Brent near $77. Energy stocks including BP, Shell, Exxon and Chevron fell sharply while bond yields declined on lower inflation risks.