April 29, 2026 at 9:37 pm Updated April 29, 2026 at 9:49 pm HONG KONG (AP) — The price of Brent crude oil surged past $125 a barrel early Thursday as stalled U.S.-Iran talks raised doubts over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent end to the Iran war. Brent crude to be delivered in June jumped 6.2% to $125.36 and Brent to be delivered in July rose 3.1% to $113.85. Benchmark U.S. crude climbed 2.3% to $109.38 per barrel. Before the start of the war in late February, Brent crude was trading around $70 per barrel. The Iran war, which is in its ninth week, still sees no clear path to an end. The U.S. has continued its blockade of Iranian ports while the Strait of Hormuz, is closed, pushing oil prices higher. Reports Thursday suggesting an possible escalation by U.S. President Donald Trump doused hopes for a quick end to the conflict. “The breakdown of talks between the U.S.…