WTI Crude Trades Steady Near $81 Amid Ongoing Geopolitical Risks

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, has been trading steadily near $81.00 after recovering from a one-week low reached during Tuesday's Asian session.

The market remains cautious as traders reduce earlier geopolitical risk premiums, with many investors preferring to stay on the sidelines while assessing developments in the Middle East.

Diplomatic efforts have gathered pace after the United States paused its bombing campaign against Iran late on Friday following roughly two weeks of strikes. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US was holding 'good talks' with Iran and that a resolution remained possible, raising hopes for renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

However, geopolitical risks remain elevated due to concerns about global crude supplies. The Houthi blockade and attacks on Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast have raised supply disruption fears and supported prices.