Focus Talk with Alain de Botton

Brent crude briefly approached $98/bbl after renewed military exchanges between Iran and Israel heightened concerns over Middle East supply risks. Iran launched rockets following Israeli strikes in Beirut, while Israel subsequently targeted Iranian military sites despite reported US efforts to restrain escalation. Please note: this podcast is provided for information…

Brent crude has recovered to around $93.50/bbl after falling below $90 last week on optimism that a US-Iran ceasefire agreement could ease tensions in the Gulf. However, reports of further negotiations, renewed military action around the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns over mine clearance have tempered expectations of a swift…

Brent crude fell sharply this week after reports suggested the US and Iran are close to agreeing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and potentially ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Prices dropped from around $105/bbl to $96/bbl before recovering towards $98/bbl following limited US and Israeli strikes…

Brent crude climbed above $111 per barrel as renewed Middle East tensions rattled energy markets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported fresh drone strikes, with analysts suspecting Iranian-backed militias operating from Iraq or Yemen. At the same time, US-Iran negotiations remain stalled, while Tehran’s proposed control over Strait of Hormuz…

Oil prices have risen after Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest nuclear proposal, increasing geopolitical uncertainty in energy markets. Details of the offer remain unclear, though reports suggest Iran may have proposed limiting uranium enrichment without dismantling nuclear infrastructure. Trump called the deal “totally unacceptable,” raising fears of prolonged negotiations or…