(Image credit: Getty Images) Stocks were mixed to higher for much of a trading session defined by optimism about peace in the Middle East. All three main equity indexes finished in the red, though, after The Wall Street Journal reported the Trump administration is considering resuming an effort to force open the Strait of Hormuz. The front-month West Texas Intermediate crude futures contract was down as much as 5.5% to below $90 per barrel early on Wednesday but settled up more than 2% and above $97. "Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the U.S. military's use of their bases and airspace imposed after the start of the American operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz," the WSJ reported , citing officials from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, "removing a hurdle that had tripped up President Trump's effort to move ships through the vital waterway." From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor.…