The U.S. dollar index hovered at 98.81 Friday, little changed on the day. Yet it’s poised for a 0.59% weekly advance—the first in three weeks. Stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations. Persistent Middle East fog. Traders piled into the greenback as safe-haven flows kicked in. Reports of no progress in peace talks hit markets hard. Crude oil prices firmed up. West Texas Intermediate climbed 1.06% to $96.87 a barrel; Brent rose 1.08% to $106.20. Investing.com , citing Reuters, pinned the dollar’s strength on this impasse. “Amid reports that talks between the U.S. and Iran are showing no progress, crude oil prices have remained firm, contributing to a stronger dollar environment,” said Akihiko Yokoo, senior analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. Iran flexed muscle in the Strait of Hormuz. Commandos stormed a massive cargo ship, footage showed. The vital shipping lane stays choked. Lebanon and Israel stretched their ceasefire three weeks ahead of Sunday’s deadline. But broader de-escalation?…