Oil prices moved lower in Asian trading as markets focused on whether further talks between the United States and Iran will occur before a ceasefire is due to expire next week, and on upcoming growth data from China, the world's largest oil importer.
By 19:42 ET (23:42 GMT), West Texas Intermediate crude futures had fallen 0.4% to $90.90 a barrel.
Traders absorbed a mix of diplomatic signals this week that have weighed on crude. U.S. officials have flagged the potential for additional peace talks following a weekend of discussions that produced limited results. U.S. President Donald Trump said talks could take place in the coming days and that an end to the war was close.
At the same time, U.S. authorities stated they had fully enforced a naval blockade against Iran, a development that could complicate negotiations. Reports indicated some vessels and oil tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz this week, while other coverage noted Iran might consider permitting ships to travel unimpeded along the Omani side of the strait as part of a peace arrangement.
The ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appeared to be holding into early Thursday, with no new accounts of strikes since late last week. That pause is fragile, however, because the truce is set to expire on April 21.
Meanwhile, a series of reports on Wednesday suggested the United States planned to send more than 10,000 additional troops to Iran, a development that raised questions about the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
Oil had earlier surged to as high as $120 a barrel after the Iran war began, but those gains have proved difficult to sustain amid releases from strategic petroleum reserves in major economies. This week, crude also faced downward pressure after warnings from both the IEA and OPEC that demand could soften as a result of disruptions linked to the Iran war.
The Strait of Hormuz remained central to market attention. Since the onset of hostilities involving U.S. and Israeli forces in late February, Iran has largely blocked the critical waterway. Washington has made reopening the crossing in full a key condition of any ceasefire agreement.
At the same time as diplomatic and security factors influenced oil markets, investors remained cautious ahead of China's forthcoming economic growth figures, seeking signs that demand from the world's largest oil buyer could slow or accelerate.
Reporter perspective
Market participants are balancing the prospect of diplomatic breakthroughs against clear indicators of military posturing and logistical disruption. The interplay between negotiations, troop movements, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will likely continue to drive short-term volatility in crude markets, while Chinese growth data could sway medium-term demand expectations.