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  • Ecora shifts toward critical minerals as profit rebounds and coal income declines

    Ecora shifts toward critical minerals as profit rebounds and coal income declines

    Ecora Royalties (LSE:ECOR) reported portfolio contributions of $57 million for full-year 2025, compared with $63.2 million the previous year, as strong performance from base metals helped offset a steep drop in coal-related income. The company returned to profitability with net profit after tax of $22.2 million, reversing a loss recorded a year earlier, while free cash flow increased 21% to $27.4 million.

    The composition of the portfolio shifted notably, with base metals contributing around half of total income. This was supported by robust cobalt production and pricing at Voisey’s Bay, record copper royalty income from Mantos Blancos, and the addition of the Mimbula copper stream. In contrast, royalties from the Kestrel steelmaking coal operation fell by half. During the year, Ecora also divested its non-core Dugbe gold royalty for proceeds of up to $20 million as part of efforts to reduce debt and concentrate the portfolio more firmly on critical minerals.

    Management highlighted progress across its development-stage assets, where operator partners are advancing key milestones at projects including Santo Domingo, Mantos Blancos Phase II, Phalaborwa and Nifty. These developments are expected to support organic growth later in the decade. Following the $50 million acquisition of the Mimbula stream, the company reduced leverage and ended 2025 with net debt of $85.5 million, below the levels recorded earlier in the year. Ecora also confirmed a total dividend of 2.0 cents per share and said increasing volumes from base metals streams should help offset the anticipated decline in Kestrel royalties as mining activity moves beyond the area covered by its private royalty, supported by favourable long-term demand for copper and other energy transition metals.

    The outlook is somewhat constrained by weaker financial performance overall, reflecting declining revenue and recent losses despite stable cash generation and a solid balance sheet. Technical indicators remain positive but appear stretched, suggesting limited near-term upside. Valuation metrics are also mixed, with a negative price-to-earnings ratio and a modest dividend yield. However, commentary from the company’s most recent earnings call was seen as a positive, highlighting accelerating momentum in base metals and continued progress in reducing leverage.

    More about Ecora Royalties PLC

    Ecora Royalties PLC is a royalty and streaming company listed in London and Toronto that focuses on commodities linked to the global energy transition, with copper forming the core of its portfolio. The group also holds exposure to metals and materials associated with electrification, infrastructure renewal, urbanisation, digital infrastructure, robotics and energy security. Ecora seeks to build long-term shareholder value through disciplined acquisitions of high-quality, cash-generating royalties and streams in established mining jurisdictions.

  • Orosur files NI 43-101 technical report for Anza Project in Colombia

    Orosur files NI 43-101 technical report for Anza Project in Colombia

    Orosur Mining Inc. (LSE:OMI) has submitted a National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report for its wholly owned Anza Project in Colombia, formally documenting the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Pepas deposit. The report, which is effective from January 16, 2026 and was issued on March 25, 2026, supports disclosures the company released in early February and has now been made available through both the company’s website and its SEDAR+ filing profile.

    The publication of the report strengthens the transparency and regulatory credibility of Orosur’s Colombian asset portfolio. By formally presenting the resource data within the recognised NI 43-101 framework, the company provides additional assurance to regulators, investors and potential partners regarding the quality and reliability of the geological information. The company also confirmed that the data had been treated as inside information prior to the announcement, highlighting the significance of the Anza resource estimate for the market.

    More about Orosur Mining

    Orosur Mining Inc. is a minerals exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and AIM under the ticker OMI. The company’s current strategy centres on advancing gold and mineral exploration projects in Colombia and Argentina, with a focus on identifying and developing early-stage assets with potential for future resource growth.

  • Strategic Minerals highlights strong project economics at Redmoor tungsten project

    Strategic Minerals highlights strong project economics at Redmoor tungsten project

    Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) has published an updated economic sensitivity analysis for its Redmoor project in Cornwall, pointing to significantly improved potential economics compared with a 2020 assessment. The study outlines a base case after-tax net present value of approximately US$1.54 billion, an internal rate of return of 40%, and estimated pre-production capital expenditure of around US$109.7 million.

    The analysis remains preliminary and is based entirely on Inferred mineral resources. However, it demonstrates robust value across multiple commodity price scenarios, incorporating higher assumed tungsten prices and reflecting an expanded mineral resource expected in 2026. The findings highlight Redmoor’s potential to rank among the most promising undeveloped tungsten assets globally, with an indicative mine life of roughly 29 years. Further project de-risking is expected through a planned prefeasibility study.

    The company’s near-term outlook is supported by stronger financial performance reported in 2024 and favourable technical indicators that point to a sustained upward trend in the share price. However, this positive outlook is tempered by valuation concerns, including a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of dividend yield data. Technical indicators also suggest the stock may be in overbought territory, which could increase the risk of short-term volatility.

    More about Strategic Minerals

    Strategic Minerals plc is an international exploration and production company focused on critical metals development. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited, the company is advancing the Redmoor tungsten–tin–copper–silver project in southeast Cornwall. The project is positioned to contribute to the strategic supply of tungsten while supporting the development of a long-life underground mining operation in the region.

  • Triple Point Social Housing REIT reports stronger earnings and improved dividend cover

    Triple Point Social Housing REIT reports stronger earnings and improved dividend cover

    Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC (LSE:SOHO) released its first full-year results since Atrato Partners assumed management, reporting a 20.9% increase in adjusted earnings per share to 6.53p. The improvement was driven by stronger rent collection, inflation-linked rental uplifts and reduced operating costs. The company’s portfolio comprises 492 specialised supported housing properties, all leased on inflation-linked agreements, while rent collection improved to 91.5%, supporting its income profile that is closely aligned with inflation.

    Dividend cover strengthened to 1.17x as the company raised declared dividends in line with a higher annual payout target. Significant cost efficiencies helped lower the EPRA cost ratio to 18.7%. The REIT continues to benefit from a stable debt profile, with £263.5 million of long-term fixed-rate borrowings at an average cost of 2.74%, alongside a confirmed Fitch A- credit rating. This financial position supports disciplined expansion, ongoing portfolio optimisation and the potential to sustain stable, inflation-linked shareholder returns despite a modest decline in the portfolio’s valuation.

    However, the outlook is partly constrained by the reversal to a net loss in 2024 and softer free cash flow, even though operating margins remain solid and leverage levels manageable. Market indicators are broadly constructive, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal. From a valuation perspective, the stock presents a mixed picture: the dividend yield appears attractive, but the negative price-to-earnings ratio reflects the recent loss, while recent dividend and governance developments add a modest positive element to sentiment.

    More about Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC

    Triple Point Social Housing REIT plc is a UK-listed real estate investment trust specialising in supported housing for vulnerable adults, including individuals with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and physical impairments. The company invests in adapted residential properties across the UK and leases them to regulated housing associations and local authorities on inflation-linked contracts, aiming to deliver long-term, predictable income while supporting social care infrastructure.

  • Reports of U.S.–Iran proposal could lift Wall Street at the open: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    Reports of U.S.–Iran proposal could lift Wall Street at the open: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. stock futures signaled a higher start on Wednesday, suggesting equities may rebound after the mild decline recorded in the previous trading session.

    Oil prices have eased after a report by the New York Times indicated that Washington had delivered a 15-point proposal to Iran intended to bring the Middle East conflict to an end.

    According to two officials familiar with the diplomatic discussions, the New York Times said the proposal was transmitted through Pakistan and addresses Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

    The newspaper noted that it remains uncertain whether Tehran will accept the proposal as a starting point for negotiations, but argued that sending the plan demonstrates the administration’s increasing efforts to bring the conflict to a close.

    As diplomatic activity intensifies, Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” may pass through the Strait of Hormuz with the approval of Iranian authorities.

    Following Monday’s rebound rally, equities delivered a relatively subdued performance on Tuesday. Major indices moved unevenly during the session before ending the day modestly lower.

    The Nasdaq dropped 184.87 points, or 0.8%, finishing at 21,761.89. The S&P 500 declined 24.63 points, or 0.4%, to close at 6,556.37, while the Dow slipped 84.41 points, or 0.2%, ending at 46,124.06.

    The choppy trading on Wall Street coincided with a rebound in oil prices, as Brent crude futures climbed back above the $100-per-barrel mark.

    Brent had previously plunged nearly 11% during Monday’s session after President Donald Trump claimed the United States and Iran had held productive discussions aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict.

    However, oil prices later recovered as Israel and Iran continued exchanging strikes, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other cities. Iranian officials denied that any talks with Washington had taken place.

    “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote in response to Trump’s comments.

    He also said Trump’s recent rhetoric “is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the U.S. and Israel are trapped.”

    Iran’s foreign ministry added that Trump’s remarks were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time” for military planning.

    With the conflict entering its 25th day and no clear signs of de-escalation, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly moving closer to joining the confrontation with Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.

    Despite the broader market weakness, energy stocks recorded notable gains alongside the rebound in oil prices.

    The NYSE Arca Oil Index jumped 2.6%, the NYSE Arca Natural Gas Index advanced 1.8%, and the Philadelphia Oil Service Index climbed 1.7%.

    Networking stocks also extended their momentum after Monday’s rally, pushing the NYSE Arca Networking Index up 1.9%.

    In contrast, software stocks moved sharply lower, dragging the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index down 3.5% to its lowest closing level in a month.

  • European stocks rise after Trump signals possible talks with Iran: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks rise after Trump signals possible talks with Iran: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities moved higher on Wednesday, building on gains from the previous session after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran were “in negotiations right now” and that they “want to make a deal so badly.”

    Although Tehran rejected the U.S. president’s claim that talks are underway, several media reports indicated that diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict may be intensifying.

    The British pound remained weak against the U.S. dollar after data showed that U.K. consumer price inflation held steady at 3.0% in February, in line with market expectations.

    Germany’s DAX Index rose 1.3%, while France’s CAC 40 Index gained 1.2% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index advanced 1.0%.

    Airline stocks were among the top performers as oil prices dropped nearly 4% on hopes that tensions in the Middle East could ease. Lufthansa (TG:LHA) climbed 1.6%, while Air France KLM (EU:AIR) jumped 3.3%.

    Meanwhile, shares of Orange SA (EU:ORA) slipped more than 1%. The French telecommunications group said it had signed an agreement with Verdoso related to a potential sale of Globecast, Orange’s media services division.

    Vallourec (EU:VK) surged 4% after the tubular solutions provider secured five contracts to supply oil country tubular goods (OCTG) products in Indonesia.

    Jenoptik (TG:JEN) jumped 8%. Despite reporting weaker full-year 2025 results, the German photonics and semiconductor equipment company said it expects revenue growth and improved EBITDA margins in fiscal 2026.

    In London, shares of United Utilities (LSE:UU.) gained around 3%. The water company released a pre-close trading update ahead of its full-year results for the period ending March 31, 2026, indicating that performance remains broadly in line with expectations.

  • Gold advances as weaker dollar and softer oil prices lend support after U.S. peace proposal to Iran

    Gold advances as weaker dollar and softer oil prices lend support after U.S. peace proposal to Iran

    Gold prices moved higher in Asian trading on Wednesday, helped by a pullback in oil prices and a slightly weaker U.S. dollar. However, the upside remained limited as tensions in the Middle East continued to keep markets on edge.

    Spot gold rose 1.8% to $4,553.55 an ounce by 03:19 ET (07:19 GMT). U.S. gold futures climbed 3.3% to $4,582.70.

    Iran strikes continue even as U.S. claims negotiations occurred

    Market sentiment shifted after reports emerged that the United States had delivered a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was “in negotiations right now” with Iran, adding that Tehran was “talking sense” and appeared interested in reaching a peace agreement.

    However, local media reports indicated that Israel launched strikes on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Wednesday.

    Earlier this week, Trump described talks with Iran as “productive,” although Iranian officials rejected those statements and said no negotiations were taking place.

    Oil prices, which had surged in recent sessions amid fears of supply disruptions, declined on Wednesday but remained elevated.

    The pullback in oil prices helped support gold by easing inflation expectations, which reduced pressure on central banks to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period.

    Lower energy costs can also weigh on bond yields and weaken the dollar, both of which tend to support non-yielding assets such as gold.

    The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.1% during Asian trading on Wednesday.

    Inflation concerns had weighed on gold

    Gold had faced significant pressure in recent sessions as rising oil prices and climbing bond yields fueled concerns about inflation and strengthened the U.S. dollar, triggering broad selling across precious metals.

    Despite Wednesday’s recovery, analysts cautioned that volatility is likely to remain high, as markets continue to react strongly to headlines related to the Middle East conflict.

    Among other precious metals, silver rose 3% to $73.41 per ounce, while platinum gained 2.2% to $1,977.60 per ounce.

    Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange increased 1.2% to $12,264.33 per ton, while U.S. copper futures slipped 0.7% to $5.52 per pound.

  • Oil drops as potential Middle East truce raises hopes for easing supply disruptions

    Oil drops as potential Middle East truce raises hopes for easing supply disruptions

    Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday after reports suggested the United States had put forward a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, increasing expectations that a ceasefire could help restore disrupted energy supplies in the region.

    Brent crude futures dropped $4.17, or 4%, to $100.32 per barrel by 0708 GMT, after earlier touching a session low of $97.57. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures declined $3.11, or 3.4%, to $89.24 per barrel, having previously fallen to $86.72.

    Both benchmarks had gained nearly 5% on Tuesday before surrendering part of those advances during volatile trading after the official settlement.

    “Expectations of a ceasefire have risen slightly and profit-taking is leading the market,” said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist of Nissan Securities Investment, a unit of Nissan Securities. “But the outlook remains uncertain as to whether negotiations will succeed, limiting selling.”

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington was making headway in negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran, while a source confirmed that a 15-point settlement proposal had been sent to Tehran.

    Israel’s Channel 2 reported that the United States is pushing for a month-long ceasefire to allow discussions on the plan, which reportedly calls for dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, ending its support for proxy groups and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

    Some analysts, however, remained cautious about the likelihood of rapid progress, warning that oil markets could continue to experience significant volatility.

    Oil flows through Hormuz largely disrupted

    Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, said developments in the Middle East would remain the “dominant price driver” keeping oil prices moving within a wide range in the near term.

    The conflict has effectively halted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait, which normally carries around one-fifth of global crude and gas supplies. The disruption has been described by the International Energy Agency as the largest oil supply shock on record.

    “The market outlook remains tight notwithstanding the prospects of a war off-ramp,” said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee.

    He added that even if shipments through the Strait restart, “it’s not clear all shut-in production will resume until there is more clarity on the durability of a ceasefire.”

    Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” may pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday.

    Despite diplomatic developments, military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran have continued, and sources say Washington is preparing to deploy additional forces to the region.

    To offset the disruption in Hormuz, oil exports from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu climbed to nearly 4 million barrels per day last week, a sharp increase compared with levels before the conflict began, according to shipping data.

    In the United States, inventories of crude oil, gasoline and distillates all increased last week, according to market sources citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute released on Tuesday.

    Crude stocks rose by 2.35 million barrels in the week ending March 20, while gasoline inventories increased by 528,000 barrels and distillate stocks rose by 1.39 million barrels compared with the previous week, the sources said.

  • U.S. futures edge higher, oil falls on hopes of progress toward Iran peace — markets in focus: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

    U.S. futures edge higher, oil falls on hopes of progress toward Iran peace — markets in focus: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

    U.S. stock futures moved up early Wednesday, while oil prices slipped back below $100 per barrel. Gold posted gains and the U.S. dollar weakened slightly as investors reacted to renewed optimism that the conflict involving Iran could move toward a resolution. Washington is reported to have outlined a 15-point proposal aimed at ending hostilities, although Tehran is said to be imposing demanding conditions for negotiations.

    Futures move up

    Futures tied to U.S. equities advanced Wednesday, supported by growing expectations that Washington and Tehran could be edging closer to diplomatic talks to end a conflict that has lasted nearly a month and raised fears of broader instability across the Middle East.

    By 04:14 ET, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up 495 points, or 1.1%. Futures linked to the S&P 500 climbed 68 points, or 1.0%, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 284 points, or 1.2%.

    In the previous session, the main Wall Street benchmarks closed lower as investors weighed the prospects for a ceasefire between joint U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran. Military activity has continued, while Washington has reportedly deployed additional forces to the region. Some U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf have also urged President Donald Trump to continue the military campaign.

    Tehran has dismissed Trump’s claim that recent discussions between the two sides were “very strong,” accusing the U.S. president of invoking the possibility of talks to calm volatile financial markets.

    Market participants are also considering the potential economic effects of a prolonged conflict. Preliminary data on U.S. business activity for March added to those concerns, as S&P Global’s flash purchasing managers’ index dropped to its lowest level in eleven months, indicating that rising energy costs linked to the war are beginning to weigh on economic growth.

    The effects may extend beyond the United States. PMI readings for the eurozone also warned of “ringing stagflation alarm bells,” referring to a combination of persistent inflation and sluggish economic growth.

    Oil falls below $100 amid diplomatic hopes

    Despite ongoing tensions, early trading on Wednesday reflected renewed optimism that the conflict could shift toward negotiations.

    Reports suggested that mediators from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan are working to arrange talks between officials from the United States and Iran as soon as Thursday.

    With Trump reportedly seeking a diplomatic way out of the conflict, Washington is said to have presented Tehran with a 15-point peace proposal. Among the reported demands are the dismantling of Iran’s key nuclear facilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route south of Iran that has effectively been closed to tanker traffic for several weeks. The disruption has driven energy prices higher and raised concerns about inflation worldwide.

    Iran is believed to have set strict conditions for entering negotiations, including the introduction of fees for ships traveling through the strait. An Iranian military spokesperson also expressed skepticism about the possibility of a swift resolution, stating that the U.S. is only “negotiating with” itself.

    Despite the mixed signals surrounding the conflict, oil prices declined. By 04:31 ET, Brent crude futures for May delivery had fallen 6.5% to $97.68 per barrel. Although the benchmark has dropped below the key $100 level, it remains well above roughly $70 per barrel seen before the war began in late February.

    Gold rises modestly

    Gold prices increased during European trading hours, supported by softer oil prices and a slightly weaker U.S. dollar. However, persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East limited further gains.

    Spot gold rose 2.0% to $4,564.34 an ounce by 05:03 ET, while U.S. gold futures climbed 3.7% to $4,597.42.

    Lower energy costs can ease bond yields and weaken the dollar, both of which typically support non-yielding assets such as gold.

    Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump said Washington was “in negotiations right now” with Iran, adding that Tehran was “talking sense” and appeared eager to reach an agreement that would end the hostilities.

    However, the fighting has continued, with new attacks targeting facilities in U.S.-allied countries in the Persian Gulf. Trump’s willingness to negotiate has reportedly unsettled some Gulf states, prompting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to urge Washington to continue military operations until Iran’s regional influence is reduced.

    Currency markets pause

    Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index — which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies — slipped 0.2% to 99.21.

    Recent volatility in global currency markets also eased somewhat as Trump’s comments about potential talks with Iran helped lift equity markets in Europe and Asia and contributed to the decline in oil prices.

    Still, analysts at ING warned that markets are likely to remain extremely sensitive to developments related to Iran.

    “It seems dangerous to position for an early resolution of the crisis, with the Iranians likely to want to take high energy prices as leverage in any negotiations,” the analysts wrote, adding that upcoming speeches from European central bankers are “very likely to sound hawkish.”

    A strategist cited by Reuters also suggested that investors may be experiencing a degree of “fatigue” as they attempt to track the rapid developments surrounding the conflict.

    Chewy earnings ahead

    Chewy Inc is scheduled to release its latest quarterly results, with investors watching closely for signs that the online pet retailer can stabilize sentiment after a prolonged decline in its share price.

    The stock has fallen more than 29% over the past year.

    Analysts at Morgan Stanley expect the company to report fourth-quarter revenue of about $3.27 billion, broadly in line with consensus estimates, alongside EBITDA of roughly $171 million, slightly above market expectations.

    They view the results as a potential “set-up” for fiscal 2026, forecasting initial guidance for revenue growth of around 7% to 7.5% and EBITDA margin expansion of 90 to 100 basis points.

    Analysts at Wolfe Research similarly anticipate a modest earnings beat, projecting revenue growth of about 0.8% year-on-year to $3.27 billion and EBITDA margins of 4.9%, representing an improvement of 109 basis points.

  • European equities rise as reports emerge of mediation efforts for U.S.–Iran dialogue: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities rise as reports emerge of mediation efforts for U.S.–Iran dialogue: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stock markets moved higher at the open on Wednesday, while oil prices pulled back, after reports suggested a possible meeting between the United States and Iran could take place later this week.

    At 08:06 GMT, the pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 1.3%. Germany’s DAX had risen 1.7%, France’s CAC 40 gained 1.4%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 advanced 0.9%.

    According to The Wall Street Journal, mediators from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan are working to organize discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials as early as Thursday.

    Donald Trump is reportedly seeking a diplomatic path to end the conflict between joint U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran, which has been ongoing for nearly a month. Reports indicate Washington has presented Tehran with a 15-point peace proposal. Among the demands are the dismantling of Iran’s principal nuclear facilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route south of Iran that has effectively been closed to tanker traffic for several weeks, pushing energy prices higher and raising concerns about inflation worldwide.

    Iran, however, is said to have set strict conditions for entering negotiations, including the introduction of fees for ships passing through the strait. An Iranian military spokesperson also cast doubt on the possibility of a rapid resolution, stating that the U.S. is only “negotiating with” itself.

    Earlier this week, Trump announced a five-day suspension of military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after what he described as “productive” discussions with Tehran. Iranian officials rejected this characterization, accusing Trump of inventing the talks to stabilize turbulent financial markets.

    Hostilities have continued, with new attacks targeting facilities in U.S.-allied countries in the Persian Gulf. Trump’s openness to negotiations has reportedly unsettled some Gulf states, prompting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to encourage Washington to continue military operations until Iran’s regional influence is reduced.

    Nevertheless, the possibility of mediated talks between Washington and Tehran helped ease oil prices, which had surged in recent days compared with levels seen before the conflict.

    Futures for Brent crude expiring in May — the global oil benchmark — were last down 4.8% at $99.50 per barrel.