WTI Crude Oil futures experienced heavy early selling pressure on Friday, dropping to a one-month low of $88.06 amid discussions of a potential strategic reserve release in Europe. However, prices rebounded to near $91.50 as the market digested escalating tensions in the Middle East, including reports of potential U.S. military movements in the region. Despite the intraday recovery, WTI Crude Oil futures remain down roughly $10 from the $101.50 highs reached in mid-September. Dan Deming breaks down the conflicting geopolitical storylines driving energy markets and the broader three-week stair-step decline.