US-Iran Standoff Hits 100 Days as Oil Prices Drop 3%
NYT•The US-Iran standoff reached its 100th day with Tehran demanding release of $24 billion in frozen assets before any truce, while overnight skirmishes involving Hezbollah and Israel continued in southern Lebanon. American forces shot down four Iranian attack drones, struck coastal radar sites and seized a sanctioned oil supertanker, as oil prices fell nearly 3% with US crude trading above $90 a barrel following signs of reduced Chinese demand.
1. US-Iran Standoff Nears 100 Days
The US and Iran have been locked in a protracted conflict for almost 100 days without a breakthrough, with Iran insisting on a ceasefire in southern Lebanon—where Hezbollah and Israeli forces clashed—before negotiating. Tehran and Oman both asserted sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader insists the US must unfreeze $24 billion in assets to advance talks.
2. Drone Intercepts and Tanker Seizure
US Central Command announced it shot down four one-way Iranian attack drones headed for the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently struck coastal surveillance radar sites on Goruk and Qeshm Island to prevent further assaults. Earlier, American forces seized a sanctioned oil supertanker linked to Iran’s ghost fleet, signaling heightened efforts to disrupt Iranian maritime operations.
3. Oil Market Reaction
Oil futures declined nearly 3% on Friday, with US crude trading above $90 a barrel as signs of muted Chinese consumption and increased American exports helped offset lost supplies. President Trump noted market expectations of much higher prices but emphasized that crude remained below $100, softening concerns over energy costs.
