US widens Iran sanctions; WTI crude falls 2.4% to $85 despite supply disruption risk

WTI settled down 2.4% at $85.01 and Brent fell 2.4% to $92.17 as expanded US sanctions on Iran took effect. Analysts warn the real risk is not the sanctions themselves but potential Iranian retaliation targeting Middle East oil infrastructure, which could trigger sharp upside volatility in crude and equity sell-offs.