Oil prices edged higher on Friday as markets focused on the outcome of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, with uncertainty over the negotiations keeping Middle East tensions in focus.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $68.09 per barrel at 9.27 a.m. local time (0627 GMT), up 1.1% from the previous close of $67.34.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 1.2% to $63.88 per barrel, compared with $63.11 in the previous session.
Washington and Tehran are set to hold nuclear negotiations on Friday in Oman.
The US delegation will be led by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran will be represented by a diplomatic team headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Ahead of the talks, Araghchi said in a post on X that Iran was approaching diplomacy cautiously but in good faith. "Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year. We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights," he said.
The White House said on Thursday that the talks will focus on diplomacy aimed at eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while stressing that President Trump retains other options if negotiations fail.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump has been explicit in his demand for “zero nuclear capability” and warned Tehran against misreading US intentions.
The planned talks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, driven by a US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats of military action by Trump.
The US and its ally Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, saying its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
In recent days, several countries have offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease tensions.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the US virtual embassy in Iran on Friday urged American citizens to leave the country "now" if possible.
Iran, one of the world's major oil producers, is located next to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical shipping routes for global crude supplies.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
