Vance Warns Israel Against Hezbollah Strikes; Global Oil Prices Diverge

HOUSTON (Central News Agency) – U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned Israel on the 18th against further military strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon. The statement raised concerns over the durability of the recent U.S.-Iran agreement, leading to a divergence in global oil prices: Brent crude rose while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell.

According to Reuters, Brent crude futures rose 30 cents, or 0.38%, to settle at $79.85 per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude fell 19 cents, or 0.25%, to $76.60 per barrel.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently signed a 14-point memorandum. The agreement mandates an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, involving both nations and their respective allies.

John Kilduff, an energy and commodities market expert at Again Capital, noted that Vance’s remarks could escalate tensions. The market remains hypersensitive to geopolitical rhetoric, showing immediate reactions to any news updates.

Prior to Vance's comments, Brent crude had touched its lowest level since February 27, the last trading day before the initial U.S.-Israel joint airstrikes on Iran. WTI also hit its lowest price since March 4.