Crude oil prices slide on reports Iran is seeking truce with Israel

NEW YORK — Oil prices slipped $1 per barrel on Monday in volatile trading after reports that Iran is seeking an end to hostilities with Israel, raising the possibility of a truce and easing fears of a disruption to crude supplies from the region.

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Brent crude futures settled $1, or 1.35%, lower to $73.23 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell $1.21, or 1.66%, to $71.77 per barrel.

Iran has asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press US President Donald J. Trump to use his influence on Israel for an immediate ceasefire in return for Tehran's flexibility in talks about its nuclear program, two Iranian and three regional sources told Reuters.

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal had reported Iran was seeking a truce.

Traders pared bets that bombing by both sides could turn into a broader, regional war that would threaten energy infrastructure, Mizuho Analyst Robert Yawger said.

On Friday, oil prices surged more than 7% after Israel began bombing Iran over claims Tehran was close to securing an atomic bomb.