The Fragile Pause: Oil Plunges, Diplomacy Rises, and a Transatlantic Rift Deepens

Brent crude tumbled over 9% to $87.59 a barrel on Monday after the US and Iran paused strikes for two consecutive nights. The diplomatic lull—designed to "give talks some space"—sent shockwaves through global markets, briefly pushing prices below $90 for the first time in a week. For drivers worldwide, the relief at the pump could be short-lived: analysts warn the situation remains volatile, with the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed to about...