Oil prices are hovering near recent highs as prospects for a US-Iran agreement fade. On Tuesday morning, both WTI and Brent crude benchmarks experienced slight upticks. The situation is complicated by US demands for compensation, hindering the potential reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists that sanctions must be lifted for the vital waterway to function, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions that are influencing market volatility and supply issues.