Tensions in the Middle East push oil prices higher, Brent nears $100

Oil prices on global markets are rising after the United States launched another attack on Iran. Prices fell on Wednesday following a report by Iranian television that a memorandum of understanding being negotiated ahead of a peace deal between the US and Iran envisages opening the Strait of Hormuz. Washington subsequently denied the report.

At around 7:45 CEST, the price of North Sea Brent crude was up 3.12 percent at 97.23 dollars per barrel. US light crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 3.41 percent at 91.70 dollars per barrel at the same time.

The United States announced that it had carried out new