Crude oil prices held steady after posting their biggest gain in roughly a month, as traders reacted to stalled diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran. The advance marked the strongest daily performance since mid-May, signaling renewed focus on supply risks in the world's most critical oil shipping route.

The impasse in US-Iran peace talks has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets, with investors pricing in the possibility that Persian Gulf crude exports could face prolonged disruptions. Talks that appeared to be making headway have reportedly hit obstacles, though specific details remain unclear.

Persian Gulf energy flows account for roughly one-third of global seaborne oil trade, making any threat to this corridor a significant driver of price volatility. The region's straits serve as the primary conduit for Middle Eastern crude heading to international markets, and supply concerns typically trigger rapid price responses.

With negotiations at an apparent standstill, market participants are likely to maintain elevated risk premiums in oil pricing. The recent price jump suggests traders expect tensions to persist, keeping upward pressure on energy costs until diplomatic channels show concrete progress.