Geopolitical tensions from the ongoing US-Iran conflict continue to support WTI prices by constraining Middle East exports, even as September shipments from the region rebounded to 16.3 million barrels per day—the highest since February—via Saudi Arabia's resumed East-West pipeline flows and alternative routes. Recent trading showed WTI settling near $89–90 per barrel after earlier spikes above $100, with the benchmark on track for a roughly 4–5% monthly gain amid thin global inventories and elevated product cracks. Upcoming EIA inventory data, OPEC+ production target decisions, and any diplomatic progress could shift near-term sentiment, as US output hit record levels near 14 million barrels per day while analysts raised 2026 price forecasts to reflect persistent supply risks.