Crude oil prices rose by more than 1% on Friday after United States President Donald Trump reiterated that his country plans to hit Iran “hard” if any protesters are killed, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Washington not to interfere. Investors’ focus also remained on the situation in Venezuela, with the US seizing another tanker due to sanctions on Venezuela’s oil trade. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February’s deliveries climbed by 1.78% at 9:55 am ET to $59.32 per barrel. At the same time, Brent for settlements in March advanced by 1.36% to $63.45 per barrel.
Iran: US, Israel directly involved in protests
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the United States and Israel “have officially announced that they are involved” in anti-government protests in Iran. He claimed that they are trying to turn the peaceful demonstrations into “violence and chaos.” Earlier this week, reports indicated that the US and Israel are considering limited military operations in Iran, while US President Donald Trump threatened that Tehran will “pay hell” if it kills protesters. Meanwhile, Iran blamed “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel for inciting violence during yesterday’s protests.