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Brent fell just over 19% in May, its worst monthly performance since March 2020, while WTI dropped nearly 17%. Traders bet on a US-Iran agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump laid out demands that Iran has previously rejected, including no nuclear weapon and removal of mines and tolls.
The monthly decline reflects expectations that Hormuz flows will resume, which lowers energy costs across feed supply chains. Uncertainty over the deal leaves room for a sharp rebound if talks fail.
cnbc.comSpencer KimballMay 29, 2026After 255 past bearish geopolitics events, Crude Oil (WTI) moved a median -2.4% over 5 sessions (31% higher; middle half -7.0% to +1.7%), and -5.0% over 20.
After 250 past bearish geopolitics events, Crude Oil (Brent) moved a median -3.1% over 5 sessions (36% higher; middle half -7.9% to +1.6%), and -5.5% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
