[MARKET ANALYSIS] Brent slips beneath Friday's low as Trump plays down renewed Iran strikes despite hawkish Iranian rhetoric; gold pares gains

Crude benchmarks are lower and extending to fresh session lows, with Brent now beneath Friday's trough. The initial weakness at the open was driven by US President Trump's comments that further military action against Iran is highly unlikely if negotiations progress, while Secretary of State Rubio's downbeat remarks and reports of continued strikes in the Strait of Hormuz briefly limited the downside, before a fresh bout of weakness into the European open without a clear headline catalyst (see below for a recap of geopolitics). Focus later today is on Trump's meeting with the Qatari PM at 17:00GMT, centred on a new ceasefire and resuming nuclear negotiations with Iran. WTI Dec'26 trades within a USD 89.29-91.42/bbl range (vs Friday's USD 89.07-92.53/bbl range), while Brent Jan'27 moves within USD 96.11-98.43/bbl (vs Friday's USD 96.67-100.83/bbl range). Dutch TTF is firmer within a EUR 85.65-87.75/MWh range, potentially as Dana Gas confirmed production at Iraq's Khor Mor gas facility has been suspended after a drone attack, whilst traders keep an eye on weather heading into the winter. Spot gold is firmer but has pared gains back beneath USD 4,100/oz, within a USD 4,054.49-4,134.18/oz range (vs Friday's USD 4,027.04-4,107.00/oz range), with earlier support from data showing the PBoC added 830K ounces of gold to its reserves in October, extending its buying streak to 24 consecutive months. The yellow metal holds above its 21DMA at USD 4,069/oz. Spot silver is firmer within a USD 51.41-53.46/oz range (vs Friday's USD 51.20-52.37/oz range), also off best levels. 3M LME copper is firmer within a USD 13,801.85-13,923.18/t range (vs Friday's USD 13,637.38-13,832.83/t range), though it has faded to the bottom of the range after benefiting from the constructive risk tone in Asia, whilst Chinese PPI printed hotter than expected. In geopolitics, US President Trump told CNN it is highly unlikely the US will need to resume military action against Iran, provided progress is made in negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Secretary of State Rubio said talks with Iran are not productive as Iranian demands are unacceptable. This morning, the IRGC spokesman said the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed, and Iran's Army spokesman said its military doctrine is moving towards aggression. More recently, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei said Iran's two-day proposal is the most reasonable proposal on the table and that Iran will not compromise on its national interests, adding that the US must end its naval blockade and the war for diplomacy to proceed. Elsewhere, an oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad region was set on fire following a drone attack, according to the regional governor.