CRUDE WRAP: WTI (Q6) SETTLES USD 0.70 HIGHER AT 82.48/BBL; BRENT (U6) SETTLES USD 1.12 HIGHER AT 89.22/BBL

The crude complex was choppy to start the week, but ultimately settled firmer and was reactive to plenty of geopolitical headlines through the day. WTI and Brent gapped higher at the open to hit peaks of USD 84.60/bbl and USD 91.42/bbl, respectively, as US/Iran traded fire for the 9th consecutive night. Through the European morning, benchmarks saw pressure, and fell to lows, on numerous Middle East headlines: 1) Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said negotiations with the US could be pursued based on national interests, and intermediaries have shared messages with Tehran in recent days; 2) Iranian Foreign Ministry said will not abandon talks with the US; 3) Senior Iranian source said mediators have proposed a 10-day cessation of strikes to find ways to revive the Iran-US interim deal. However, benchmarks soon pared all weakness seen, to end up with gains, amid more punchy rhetoric from all sides. Yemeni Houthi spokesperson announced a ban on maritime navigation for Saudi-linked vessels, while Trump said every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over, and reports suggested US is preparing next phase of military campaign against Iran in coming days. Meanwhile, more explosions were heard in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel and Iraq. As such, participants await any further updates overnight.