Oil prices fell and stocks rose on Friday, on tentative signs that the United States and Iran were nearing a preliminary agreement to end the war.
Negotiators were discussing a new memorandum of understanding that appeared close to winning approval from both sides, although disagreements remained over several key provisions. One major hurdle was the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trading route for oil and gas tankers from the Middle East. President Trump said that he would meet with advisers in the White House on Friday to make a “final determination” on a cease-fire deal.
The potential breakthrough followed a volatile week in which U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged sporadic fire, highlighting the risks of renewed escalation as well as the fragility of the current truce.
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