08.04.2026 06:07

Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Tuesday marked “a big day for world peace.” In the same message he announced that America would assist with the anticipated surge in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and predicted that “big money will be made” as Iran embarks on its reconstruction efforts. Trump emphasized that the United States would simply be “hangin’ around” to ensure a smooth transition, expressing confidence that everything would proceed without incidents. He later suggested that this development could usher in “the Golden Age of the Middle East.”

The remarks followed Iran’s acceptance of a two‑week cease‑fire, which came after Trump indicated he would halt U.S. strikes provided Tehran fully reopened the strategic waterway. Further talks between Washington and Tehran are slated to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, where negotiators aim to iron out the remaining details of the agreement.

The news reverberated through the energy markets, prompting a modest wave of selling in crude oil futures. At the time of writing, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contracts were down 10.78 % for the day, trading around $90.27 per barrel.

WTI crude, short for West Texas Intermediate, is one of the three primary benchmark oils—alongside Brent and Dubai—used in global pricing. It is classified as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low density and sulfur content, qualities that make it easier to refine. The commodity is sourced in the United States and funneled through the Cushing hub, often dubbed “the pipeline crossroads of the world.” Like all commodities, WTI’s price is driven by supply‑and‑demand dynamics: robust global growth tends to lift demand, while economic slowdowns, geopolitical turmoil, wars, or sanctions can curtail supply and depress prices.