Oil Rises 1.09% to $84.46 Amid U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz Uncertainty

Oil futures rose on July 12, 2026, with Brent crude for October delivery increasing by 1.09% to $84.46 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for September gained 0.84% to $78.84 per barrel. Mixed signals from the U.S. and Iran regarding negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are contributing to the market's volatility. The U.S. maintains that any reopening must ensure unrestricted freedom of navigation, while Iran has set conditions for reopening. This uncertainty impacts oil supply concerns and pricing, relevant for ordinary investors engaged in energy markets.