Oil prices are rising sharply on Friday morning on news of Israeli strikes on Iran.
The price of August Brent futures on the London ICE Futures exchange rose by $5.8 (8.36%) to $75.16 per barrel as of 8:11 a.m. On Thursday, these contracts fell by $0.41 (0.59%) to $69.36 per barrel.
WTI crude oil futures for July delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) rose by $5.91 (8.69%) to $73.95 per barrel. At the end of Thursday’s session, the value of these contracts decreased by $0.11 (0.16%) to $68.04 per barrel.
The Israeli Air Force launched dozens of strikes on nuclear and missile sites in Iran on Thursday, according to the Axios portal.
“Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a state of emergency throughout the country and said: ‘Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile attack and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the near future,’” the portal reported.
A representative of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told reporters that the operation to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile capabilities would last several days.
The official explained that in recent weeks, “signs have emerged” that Iran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb.
“We are now in a strategically advantageous position and close to the point of no return, and we had no choice but to take action,” he said.
The prospect of an escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil supplies, according to Trading Economics.
