Summary
- Israel says it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders
- Iranian leader Khamenei says Israel will face harsh punishment
- Trump administration seeks to distance US from Israeli strikes on Iran
Oil prices surged more than 9% on Friday, hitting their highest in almost five months after Israel struck Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising worries about disrupted oil supplies.
Brent crude futures jumped $6.29, or 9.07%, to $75.65 a barrel by 0315 GMT after hitting an intraday high of $78.50, the highest since January 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $6.43, or 9.45%, at $74.47 a barrel after hitting a high of $77.62, the loftiest since January 21.
Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on Friday at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Iran had launched about 100 drones towards Israeli territory in retaliation, which Israel is working to intercept, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said.
Summary
- Iran says Revolutionary Guards commander killed
- Israel says it targets Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile capabilities and commanders
- ‘We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history’ – Netanyahu
- Rubio says US not involved in Israeli operation
