On February 19, 2026, oil prices have surged to a six-month high amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Brent futures climbed 24 cents to $70.59 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 28 cents to $65.47 per barrel. This increase follows comments from Iran's atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, asserting that no country can deprive Iran of its right to nuclear enrichment. U.S. President Donald Trump has also hinted at potential military action following the latest talks in Geneva, contributing to a sense of geopolitical angst that is influencing oil prices, according to Briefing.com analyst Patrick O’Hare. Meanwhile, U.S. stock markets reacted negatively, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.6% and the S&P 500 falling 0.5% as investors digested mixed results from Walmart and broader market concerns.