Brent's barrel price today rose to nearly $89, after the 60-day deadline of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, without agreement.
© Nick Oxford/Reuters
17/08/2026
by
Lusa
Aat 18:30 (16:30 GMT), Brent, Europe's reference, advanced 0.45% to $88.92 per barrel after reaching a maximum of nearly $90.
Texas-based intermediate oil (WTI) in the United States rose by 0.23% to $82.59.
The 60-day deadline provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Tehran and Washington on 17 June ended today without the defined objectives having been achieved, keeping the two parties apart in their respective positions.
After the deadline, Iran stated that its “defensive position” will take on an “offensive” character, and also warned of “strategic surprises” directed against “the enemy.”.
For his part, American President Donald Trump again today threatened Oman, stating that the United States could bomb the country “without mercy” if it interfered in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump's statements arose after Iranian Foreign Minister Ismail Baghaei's spokesman stated that Tehran reached an agreement with Muscat to establish safe maritime routes through the Strait of Ormuz.
On the weekend, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army, General Amir Hatami, warned that Iran will prevent the United States from entering the Persian Gulf, the Oman Sea and the Strait of Ormuz, or reestablishing its bases in the Middle East.
Trump also stated on Saturday that he intends to declare soon the Strait of Ormuz as part of the territory of the United States.