LONDON, May 21 (Reuters): Oil prices jumped on Thursday after Reuters reported that Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad.
The report, which cited two senior Iranian sources, signalled that Tehran is hardening its stance on one of the main US demands. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's order could further frustrate US President Donald Trump and complicate talks on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Brent crude futures gained $3.51, or 3.3 per cent, to $108.53 a barrel by 1330 GMT, and US West Texas Intermediate futures rose $3.67, or 3.7 per cent, to $101.93. Both were trading lower before the report.
Benchmarks dropped around 5.6 per cent on Wednesday to their lowest in more than a week after Trump said talks with Iran were in the final stages.
Pakistan stepped up diplomatic efforts on Thursday to hasten the peace talks between the US and Iran, as Tehran said it was reviewing Washington's latest responses.
Oil prices jump over 3.0 per cent
FE Team | Published: May 21, 2026 22:08:11
Oil prices jump over 3.0 per cent
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