Oil Prices Decline Amid Middle East Conflict as Asian Stocks Fall

Oil prices fell over 2% in early Asian trade following recent sharp gains driven by the Middle East conflict, with West Texas Intermediate dropping to around $79 per barrel. US President Donald Trump indicated imminent measures to ease oil price pressures, including potential naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz. Asian equities experienced significant weekly losses amid ongoing regional tensions and renewed Iranian strikes, while markets remain volatile due to supply disruption concerns and uncertainty over the conflict's duration.