The oil market is now frozen in anticipation. All eyes turn to Geneva, where Thursday's US-Iran nuclear talks could either calm the waters or open the floodgates. Any whisper of diplomatic progress may send prices into a tailspin, as the prospect of Middle Eastern crude coming back onto the global stage suddenly becomes very real.
However, that's only half the story. On the other side of the Atlantic, the US has cemented its position as the undisputed king of oil and gas production. According to the presidential administration, the country has recently shattered its own output records. The start of 2026 isn't just another quarter—it is the moment America stands alone at the top due to a technological renaissance in the shale patch and an aggressive push into new fields. The numbers here weave the narrative. Crude production in the United States is steadily humming along at 13.5–13.7 million barrels per day (bpd)—comfortably above the 2023–2024 peak levels.
What's striking is how this was achieved. There was no frantic rig-building spree. Instead, it became a story of efficiency. Giants like EOG Resources and Occidental have deployed machine learning algorithms to place horizontal wells with surgical precision, squeezing 20% more oil out of the same formation. Laterals stretching 3 to 4 miles (4.8 to 6.4 kilometers) have evolved into the industry standard, thus slashing production costs and boosting output.
These record-breaking figures aren't just statistics; they are geopolitical weapons. America's manufacturing capacity now serves as a strategic lever against OPEC+. Whenever Brent crude approaches $80–$90, US output acts as an invisible hand, pushing prices back down. Washington has effectively seized the mantle of the world's "balancing producer"—a role once monopolized by the alliance. Back in Europe, American oil and gas have become the cornerstone of the continent's strategy to replace Russian fuel. Long-term contracts will guarantee US dominance for years to come.
The ultimate recommendation is to sell Brent crude upon breaking the $78.50 support. Lock in profits at $69.30. Place Stop Loss at $72.40.
Calculate your open position so that a potential loss (protected by a Stop Loss order) is limited to 1% of your deposit. If your account balance does not allow entering a position of this size, it is better to skip the trade and wait for other market signals that meet low-risk criteria.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.
