Oil prices have risen over one per cent, after Reuters earlier reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad.

Brent crude futures have gained $1.39, or 1.3pc, to $106.41 a barrel by 1037 GMT, and US West Texas Intermediate futures has increased $1.56, or 1.6pc, to $99.82. Both were trading lower before the report.

Both benchmarks dropped around 5.6pc on Wednesday to their lowest in more than a week after Trump said talks with Iran were in the final stages.

Opinion

Editorial

External woes
Updated 21 May, 2026

External woes

Relying indefinitely on remittances to offset structural economic weaknesses is not sustainable.
Political activity
21 May, 2026

Political activity

THE opposition is astir. There is talk of widespread protests this Friday over a list of dissatisfactions with the...
Seizing hope
21 May, 2026

Seizing hope

ISRAEL’S tyranny knows no bounds. After intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla that set sail last week, disturbing...
Hormuz gamble
20 May, 2026

Hormuz gamble

The Strait of Hormuz has become the real centre of the confrontation.
The unkindest cut
20 May, 2026

The unkindest cut

SUICIDE, a complex symptom of deep despair triggered by mental health problems, is hardly a moral issue. Punitive...
Ad hoc culture
20 May, 2026

Ad hoc culture

THE Supreme Court’s ruling against prolonged ad hoc and acting appointments is an indictment of a deeply ...