U.S. crude oil falls below $70, resuming losses after attack on cargo ship near

Oil prices extended declines on Friday as more tankers exited the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns despite a vessel coming under attack in the Gulf of Oman.

International benchmark Brent crude futures for August settled down 4.34% at $71.99 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for August declined 3.74% to end at $69.23 a barrel. The last time WTI futures closed below $70 was on Feb. 27 — the day before the start of the Iran war.

The move lower came as investors closely monitored developments in the Middle East, while assessing whether recent diplomatic efforts would reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.

A U.S. official told MS NOW that Iran was behind an attack on a cargo ship near the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was sailing under a Singapore flag, according to the Wall Street Journal. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the ship reported no casualties and no environmental damage.

President Donald Trump then said Friday that Iran had violated the ceasefire with drone attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. "Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drone

Fuente original: CNBC Top News (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/26/oil-prices-middle-east-iran-strait-of-hormuz-opec-iraq-wti-brent-crude.html)