Shafaqna English- Tuesday(11 Aug 2026) witnessed a notable uptick in oil markets, attributed directly to the stalemate in U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at securing a peace accord and restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. In contrast, Asian stock markets traded in a lackluster fashion, caught in a holding pattern as ongoing uncertainties regarding the global inflation trajectory dampened investor sentiment and discouraged decisive positioning. Brent crude futures inched higher to reach the $88.00 per barrel threshold, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also crept upward to settle at $82.45 per barrel. These price points represent the most elevated trading levels observed since July 31st, following a robust rally on Monday that saw both benchmark contracts appreciate by approximately 5%, underscoring the market’s acute sensitivity to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.