Brent crude steadies at $100 as US-Iran talks stall, keeping crypto markets on edge

Brent crude is sitting at $100 per barrel after climbing 2.5% the previous session, with US-Iran nuclear negotiations stalled.

The Strait of Hormuz effect

Conflict in Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, a chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply flows. Brent crude surged from roughly $72 per barrel in late February to over $112 by the end of March, a gain exceeding 55%. At one point earlier in 2026, prices pushed past $120 before settling into the current volatile range around $100.

President Trump has described the talks with Iran as being in their “final stages,” with the potential for what he called a “Great Deal.” He has also reiterated strict demands regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities and warned of possible military interventions if a satisfactory agreement isn’t reached.

Brent had dropped over 5% at one point following optimistic signals from earlier rounds of discussions. When confidence in those talks wavered, prices bounced right back. The EIA projects that Brent averages will remain above $100 per barrel in the near term as long as tensions persist.

Why crypto traders should care about oil prices

Bitcoin has shown a consistent responsiveness to diplomatic developments around the Iran situation. In March, when productive negotiation signals emerged, Bitcoin climbed above $70,000 according to market analysis from Polymarket. More recently in May, modest upticks in peace-deal odds corresponded with similar price movements in crypto markets.

Mediators including Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in the diplomatic process.