Iran war latest: White House says plans for US-Iran talks ‘fluid’ as oil price climbs
White House says U.S.-Iran talks status fluid as Middle East tensions lift Brent crude above $75.
Image: GlobalBeat / 2026
Iran war news: US-Iran talks status unclear as oil jumps 3%, White House says
Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat
The White House said plans for direct talks with Iran remained “fluid” as Brent crude rose 3% to $91 per barrel amid escalating regional tensions.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told reporters the administration had not confirmed any meeting date despite reports of tentative discussions.
Oil markets reacted to renewed fears of supply disruption. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for 20% of global oil shipments.
The administration statement came hours after Iranian state media reported Revolutionary Guard naval exercises near the strategic waterway.
Officials in Washington said any dialogue would focus on Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Tehran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, near weapons-grade level.
Waltz spoke aboard Air Force One. He said President Trump would decide on negotiations based on “concrete actions, not words” from Tehran.
Energy traders cited the comments as proof that military escalation remained possible. Brent futures gained $2.73 in London trading.
Background
The United States and Iran have not held formal bilateral talks since 2021. Biden administration negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear deal collapsed in 2022 after Tehran demanded guarantees no future U.S. president could withdraw.
Trump withdrew from that agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have cut Iranian oil exports by roughly 1 million barrels per day. Iran responded by expanding its nuclear work and supporting proxy forces across the Middle East.
What’s Next
White House officials said Trump would review options during a scheduled national security meeting on Thursday. The Treasury Department prepared additional sanctions targeting Iranian petrochemical sales, according to a senior official.
Regional governments including Oman and Qatar have offered to host any U.S.-Iran discussions. Oman mediated secret talks that led to the original 2015 accord.
Oil analysts warned prices could breach $100 if tanker traffic through Hormuz faces new restrictions. The Pentagon maintains a carrier strike group in the Gulf.