Brent crude futures ease to $87.33 a barrel

LONDON — Brent crude futures fell to $87.33 a barrel on Friday, according to market reports. The benchmark grade extended a recent pullback as traders weighed diplomatic signals from the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that an Islamabad memorandum of understanding was closer than ever. Speaking to reporters, Araghchi urged the media to refrain from speculating about the contents of the memorandum until it takes its final form. The Iranian minister said the process would be handled delicately until the memorandum is completed and that the parties would remain committed to the agreement. He did not elaborate on the timing or specific provisions of the deal. No official statement has been issued on whether the price move will trigger short-term volatility in global energy markets.