Brent Crude Rallies, But Trump's Comments Temper Gains

Oil prices continued their upward trend on Friday, but at a slower pace than earlier in the week. Brent crude rose by 1% to close above $95, although it eased from an intraday high of around $97 after President Trump's comments.

Trump suggested that the renewed US bombing campaign against Iran could be short-lived, which tempered investors' enthusiasm for further gains. The situation in the Middle East remains highly fluid, with no clear signs of a durable de-escalation between the US and Iran.

The latest developments include fresh US strikes and Iranian retaliation across the region. Despite this, Brent crude oil prices held steady above $95, while gold saw a slight rebound to around $4,382.