Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAp CorrespondentThursday 30 April 2026 06:45 BSTTrump makes baseless claim Kyiv is ‘militarily defeated’ after phone call with PutinBrent crude oil prices surged past $125 a barrel early Thursday morning, with US West Texas Intermediate also rising, as the US-Iran conflict continues into its ninth week.The price hike is attributed to stalled negotiations between the US and Iran, the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports, and the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz.Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on potential military strikes against Iran, aimed at compelling the nation to resume nuclear programme negotiations.The conflict, which began with US and Israeli air strikes on 28 February, led to Iran's retaliation by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for Middle Eastern energy supplies.Analysts indicate dim prospects for a near-term resolution or the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Opec+ expected to agree only a small increase in oil output.In fullOil prices top $125 as US considers military options to break Iran deadlockThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in