Oil prices struggled for direction on Monday as stalled US-Iran talks revived concerns over prolonged Middle East tensions, while the absence of major supply disruptions limited gains.
Brent crude rose as much as 1% to $89.40 a barrel before easing to $89.28, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 67 cents to $81.74.
Both benchmarks gained more than 5% last week following attacks on Abu Dhabi National Oil Company tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and a Saudi Aramco refinery.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said over the weekend that Tehran had not decided to resume talks with Washington. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices while the conflict continues.
Analyst Priyanka Sachdeva of Phillip Nova said oil had nearly recovered from early-August lows as hopes for a lasting US-Iran settlement faded and geopolitical risk premiums returned.
However, she said further gains would likely require clear evidence of renewed attacks causing significant damage to tankers or oil infrastructure.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz also slowed after the tanker attacks. Kpler data showed five commodity vessels crossed on Saturday and none on Sunday, compared with 31 the previous weekend.
The UAE has accused Iran of attacking a third ADNOC vessel, following two earlier incidents.
