US-Iran war, July 1 -- Oil prices edged higher in early trading on Wednesday, 1 July, after Iran said it would not hold direct talks with US officials, raising fresh concerns over the fragile ceasefire that has temporarily halted the four-month-long conflict between the two countries.

Brent crude futures gained 50 cents, or 0.69%, to $73.45 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 63 cents, or 0.91%, to $70.13 a barrel.

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha on Tuesday for what the White House described as high-level discussions. However, Iran and host nation Qatar clarified that the US delegation would engage with mediators rather than Iranian representa...