Oil set for steepest weekly gain since mid-July, fuelled by US-Iran clashes

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Thursday that Washington does not plan to hold talks with Iran unless Tehran stops attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Capping oil's advance, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin said there remained a path to a deal to end the war in Ukraine, adding that both the U.S. and China were prepared to support a peace settlement.

Meanwhile, Iran expanded its list of vessels it deems non-compliant and subject to fines, confiscation or detention if they attempt to transit the strait. Iraqi ships remain among the few vessels Tehran has cleared to pass through Hormuz.

Iraq increased its oil exports to around 2.34 million barrels per day in August from about 1.35 million bpd in July, two Iraqi energy officials said on Wednesday, with September exports also expected to increase as heavy discounts and Iranian approvals for Iraqi tankers encouraged buyers.