The second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded on February 17 in Oman, mediated by Omani officials. Despite the ongoing diplomatic track, the U.S. continues to bolster its military presence in the Arabian Sea, signaling a high-stakes environment for the negotiations. President Donald Trump has intensified the rhetoric, warning that military strikes remain an option if a comprehensive deal is not reached. The specific outcomes of this latest round remain ambiguous, as neither Washington nor Tehran has issued an official statement regarding any progress. Market participants are closely monitoring the situation, as the initial optimism from the first round is now tempered by military escalations and geopolitical uncertainty. Oil prices remain highly sensitive to these developments, balancing the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough against the risk of renewed conflict in the region.
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