Middle East Tensions Send Oil Prices Plummeting
Oil prices declined on July 31, 2026, as markets reacted to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
The Brent crude futures fell $1.03, or 1.2 percent, to $88 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped $1.50, or 1.8 percent, to $82.09 a barrel.
Despite the decline, both benchmarks remain on track to post monthly gains of nearly 20 percent.