Crude futures extend gains as U.S.-Iran talks, Hormuz shipping outlook remain unclear

International crude futures extended their upward momentum on Tuesday, primarily fueled by unclear progress in diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, coupled with uncertain prospects for the full resumption of shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz. The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery gained 1.07 U.S. dollars, or 1.3 percent, to settle at 83.20 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude for October delivery went up 1.19 dollars, or 1.36 percent, to settle at 88.91 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures extend gains as U.S.-Iran talks, Hormuz shipping outlook remain unclear

Air China will launch a new route connecting Beijing with Romania's capital Bucharest and Croatia's main city Zagreb, starting Sept 4, the airline announced Tuesday.

The new service will link Beijing Capital International Airport with Zagreb via Bucharest, with flights scheduled for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The new service follows the launch of Air China's Beijing-Venice route in July, as the carrier continues to optimize its European flight network and increase capacity.

The carrier now serves 27 destinations across Europe, operating nearly 260 flights each week.

Air China to launch new route to Romania, Croatia