Oil prices rose on Friday amid escalating concerns over Middle East supply disruptions, as uncertainty persisted due to the ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict and heightened risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $112.01 per barrel at 09.49 a.m. local time (0649 GMT), up around 1.46% from the previous close of $110.4.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate also increased about 1.05% to $106.17 per barrel, compared with $105.07 in the previous session.
Reports in the US press claimed that US commanders had briefed President Donald Trump on new military options in relation to a potential US/Israel-Iran conflict.
The commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) reportedly presented "final blow" strike options against Iran during a briefing with Trump in the Situation Room, Fox News reported Thursday.
The assessed targets reportedly include Iran's remaining military assets, leadership, and infrastructure, the broadcaster added.
The Pentagon is also considering deploying advanced weapons systems, including a new hypersonic missile known as "Dark Eagle," according to Fox News.
Following the reports, Brent's June contract, which expired on Thursday, surged above $126 per barrel, reaching its highest level in nearly four years.
The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but no agreement was reached. Trump later unilaterally extended the truce without setting a new timeframe, at Pakistan's request.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that the Trump administration is seeking to form an international coalition to restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Thursday that a war with Iran could resume "soon." "It is possible that we will soon need to act again to ensure the objectives are achieved," Katz said during a military event at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
