WTI Crude Oil futures prices maintained a firm stance as market participants monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East. Geopolitical developments, including a proposed shift in diplomatic discussions to Oman and recent military incidents, have reintroduced a risk premium. Simultaneously, the EIA reported that U.S. oil inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels to a total of 420 million, providing relief from previous supply glut concerns. In the natural gas market, prices saw a technical rebound following a sharp sell-off. While liquefied natural gas exports began to recover from Gulf Coast storm disruptions, March Natural Gas futures faced pressure from forecasts indicating lower heating demand. Weather patterns suggest above-average temperatures for the Midwest and southern U.S. through February 17, while colder conditions are expected to persist in the Northeast.