Oil Jumps After Trump Says Iran’s Peace Offer Is ‘Unacceptable’

The Motiva Port Arthur Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas.

Photographer: Mark Felix/Bloomberg

Oil surged after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response to his proposal to end the war in the Middle East, prolonging the effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude advanced as much as 3.5% to $104.80 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to near $99. In a social media post, Trump said the response was “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” as the two sides struggle to maintain a fragile ceasefire following a series of flareups in hostilities.