Oil Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 12 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Oil Price Increase: Oil prices rose as U.S. President Trump indicated that the ceasefire with Iran is on life support, with Brent crude futures up 0.30% to $104.51 per barrel, reflecting market sensitivity to Middle Eastern tensions.
- Increased Market Volatility: Since the onset of the U.S. and Israeli-led war against Iran on February 28, both WTI and Brent crude prices have surged over 40%, indicating investor uncertainty and potential risks regarding future oil price movements.
- Fragile Ceasefire Agreement: Trump described the ceasefire as 'unbelievably weak' and dismissed Iran's counterproposal as 'garbage', suggesting that the conflict may continue, which could further impact the global oil market.
- Negotiation Implications: Dragonfly's Chief Intelligence Officer noted that Trump may ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Iran to accept U.S. terms during upcoming talks, which could have additional ramifications for oil prices.
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About WTI
W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America. The Company has working interests in approximately 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 646,200 gross acres (502,300 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 493,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 147,700 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,500 gross acres in Alabama state waters. The Company’s interests in fields, leases, structures and equipment are primarily owned by its wholly owned subsidiaries and through its proportionately consolidated interest in Monza Energy LLC. The Company's subsidiaries include Aquasition Energy LLC, Aquasition LLC, Aquasition II, LLC, Aquasition III, LLC, Aquasition IV, LLC, Aquasition V, LLC, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
- Oil Price Increase: Oil prices rose as U.S. President Trump indicated that the ceasefire with Iran is on life support, with Brent crude futures up 0.30% to $104.51 per barrel, reflecting market sensitivity to Middle Eastern tensions.
- Increased Market Volatility: Since the onset of the U.S. and Israeli-led war against Iran on February 28, both WTI and Brent crude prices have surged over 40%, indicating investor uncertainty and potential risks regarding future oil price movements.
- Fragile Ceasefire Agreement: Trump described the ceasefire as 'unbelievably weak' and dismissed Iran's counterproposal as 'garbage', suggesting that the conflict may continue, which could further impact the global oil market.
- Negotiation Implications: Dragonfly's Chief Intelligence Officer noted that Trump may ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Iran to accept U.S. terms during upcoming talks, which could have additional ramifications for oil prices.
See More
W&T Offshore Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings with Positive Outlook
- Strong Production Performance: W&T Offshore achieved an average daily production of 36,200 barrels of oil equivalent in Q1 2026, demonstrating ongoing improvements in operational efficiency that are expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
- Financial Health: The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $55 million and free cash flow of $21 million, indicating robust cash generation capabilities that will support future investments and expansion efforts.
- Capital Expenditure Control: Capital expenditures for Q1 2026 were only $7 million, with full-year expectations set between $20 million and $25 million, reflecting a capital-light strategy that provides greater financial flexibility for the company.
- Legal and Regulatory Dynamics: The company made positive strides in litigation, with the court allowing it to file an amended lawsuit, indicating a proactive stance in managing potential risks that could support future business development.
See More
W&T Offshore Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.01
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: W&T Offshore has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flow despite market fluctuations.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.05% reflects the company's capacity to provide returns to shareholders in the current economic climate, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on May 28, with a record date of May 21 and an ex-dividend date also set for May 21, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and promoting long-term holding intentions.
- Future Outlook: W&T Offshore plans to reduce capital expenditures by $22 million in 2026 while maintaining steady production targets, demonstrating the company's strategic flexibility in navigating market challenges and aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
See More
W&T Offshore Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations Despite EPS Miss
- Significant Revenue Growth: W&T Offshore reported Q1 revenue of $150.01 million, reflecting a 15.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $15.46 million, indicating strong performance and growth potential in the market.
- EPS Misses Expectations: Despite the robust revenue, the company's non-GAAP EPS stood at $0.00, falling short of the anticipated $0.02, highlighting ongoing challenges in profitability.
- Cost Control Initiatives: The company plans to reduce capital expenditures by $22 million in 2026, aiming to enhance overall profitability through optimized cost structures, thereby improving financial stability for the future.
- Stable Production Targets: W&T Offshore maintains its steady production targets, demonstrating resilience in the face of market fluctuations and confidence in future growth prospects.
See More
W&T Offshore Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Production Growth: In Q1 2026, W&T Offshore achieved an average production of 36.2 MBoe/d, a 19% increase compared to Q1 2025, demonstrating resilience in production capacity and strong market demand despite adverse weather conditions.
- Improved Financial Performance: The company reported a 137% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $54.5 million for Q1 2026, reflecting effective cost control and enhanced production efficiency, indicating a potential boost in future profitability.
- Significant Cash Flow Improvement: Free Cash Flow for Q1 2026 was $21 million, a substantial recovery from a negative $11.2 million in Q4 2025, highlighting positive progress in capital expenditure management and operational efficiency.
- Ongoing Dividend Policy: W&T declared a second-quarter dividend of $0.01 per share for 2026, underscoring the company's commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining financial stability, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
See More
Oil Prices Jump Following Report of Trump's Rejection of Iranian Proposal on Strait of Hormuz; Brent and WTI Rise Approximately 7%
Oil Prices Surge: Oil prices have increased significantly following media reports regarding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Trump's Rejection of Proposal: Former President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which has contributed to the rise in oil prices.
Market Impact: The surge in oil prices is reported to be around 7%, indicating a notable reaction in the market.
Geopolitical Context: The situation highlights the ongoing complexities and risks associated with oil supply routes in the region.
See More
Oil Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
- Oil Price Increase: Oil prices rose as U.S. President Trump indicated that the ceasefire with Iran is on life support, with Brent crude futures up 0.30% to $104.51 per barrel, reflecting market sensitivity to Middle Eastern tensions.
- Increased Market Volatility: Since the onset of the U.S. and Israeli-led war against Iran on February 28, both WTI and Brent crude prices have surged over 40%, indicating investor uncertainty and potential risks regarding future oil price movements.
- Fragile Ceasefire Agreement: Trump described the ceasefire as 'unbelievably weak' and dismissed Iran's counterproposal as 'garbage', suggesting that the conflict may continue, which could further impact the global oil market.
- Negotiation Implications: Dragonfly's Chief Intelligence Officer noted that Trump may ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Iran to accept U.S. terms during upcoming talks, which could have additional ramifications for oil prices.
See More
W&T Offshore Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings with Positive Outlook
- Strong Production Performance: W&T Offshore achieved an average daily production of 36,200 barrels of oil equivalent in Q1 2026, demonstrating ongoing improvements in operational efficiency that are expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
- Financial Health: The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $55 million and free cash flow of $21 million, indicating robust cash generation capabilities that will support future investments and expansion efforts.
- Capital Expenditure Control: Capital expenditures for Q1 2026 were only $7 million, with full-year expectations set between $20 million and $25 million, reflecting a capital-light strategy that provides greater financial flexibility for the company.
- Legal and Regulatory Dynamics: The company made positive strides in litigation, with the court allowing it to file an amended lawsuit, indicating a proactive stance in managing potential risks that could support future business development.
See More
W&T Offshore Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.01
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: W&T Offshore has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flow despite market fluctuations.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.05% reflects the company's capacity to provide returns to shareholders in the current economic climate, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on May 28, with a record date of May 21 and an ex-dividend date also set for May 21, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and promoting long-term holding intentions.
- Future Outlook: W&T Offshore plans to reduce capital expenditures by $22 million in 2026 while maintaining steady production targets, demonstrating the company's strategic flexibility in navigating market challenges and aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
See More
W&T Offshore Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations Despite EPS Miss
- Significant Revenue Growth: W&T Offshore reported Q1 revenue of $150.01 million, reflecting a 15.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $15.46 million, indicating strong performance and growth potential in the market.
- EPS Misses Expectations: Despite the robust revenue, the company's non-GAAP EPS stood at $0.00, falling short of the anticipated $0.02, highlighting ongoing challenges in profitability.
- Cost Control Initiatives: The company plans to reduce capital expenditures by $22 million in 2026, aiming to enhance overall profitability through optimized cost structures, thereby improving financial stability for the future.
- Stable Production Targets: W&T Offshore maintains its steady production targets, demonstrating resilience in the face of market fluctuations and confidence in future growth prospects.
See More
W&T Offshore Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Production Growth: In Q1 2026, W&T Offshore achieved an average production of 36.2 MBoe/d, a 19% increase compared to Q1 2025, demonstrating resilience in production capacity and strong market demand despite adverse weather conditions.
- Improved Financial Performance: The company reported a 137% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $54.5 million for Q1 2026, reflecting effective cost control and enhanced production efficiency, indicating a potential boost in future profitability.
- Significant Cash Flow Improvement: Free Cash Flow for Q1 2026 was $21 million, a substantial recovery from a negative $11.2 million in Q4 2025, highlighting positive progress in capital expenditure management and operational efficiency.
- Ongoing Dividend Policy: W&T declared a second-quarter dividend of $0.01 per share for 2026, underscoring the company's commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining financial stability, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
See More
Oil Prices Jump Following Report of Trump's Rejection of Iranian Proposal on Strait of Hormuz; Brent and WTI Rise Approximately 7%
Oil Prices Surge: Oil prices have increased significantly following media reports regarding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Trump's Rejection of Proposal: Former President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which has contributed to the rise in oil prices.
Market Impact: The surge in oil prices is reported to be around 7%, indicating a notable reaction in the market.
Geopolitical Context: The situation highlights the ongoing complexities and risks associated with oil supply routes in the region.
See More
