Oil Slides but the Real Test Comes This Weekend

Oil markets are hanging on U.S.–Iran talks as hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz push prices lower—but failure could trigger shortages and a new price spike. Friday, April 17, 2026 Oil markets are fixated on this weekend’s second round of US-Iran talks, with hopes rising for a negotiated end to the Strait of Hormuz’s 45-day blockade. Iran’s announcements that navigation through Hormuz is open come after Trump managed to seal a shaky Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, sending ICE Brent below $90 per barrel again. The negotiations…