July 23 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs maintained its Brent forecast of $80 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026 on Thursday, assuming de-escalation in the current U.S.-Iran conflict by the final quarter.

The investment bank said its forecast reflects price support from lower Middle East output in the second half of the year, balanced by downside price pressure from stronger-than-expected output from the region in June and weaker demand in China, South Korea and the Middle East.