[MARKET UPDATE] : Oil prices climb over the last hour and a half amid slew of reports on the Middle East and also Russia/Ukraine

WTI has been climbing, rising from USD 74.50 - 76.20 over the last hour and a half, likely supported by the following reports:

• Reports via Kan news, citing Arab intelligence, said that the Houthis in Yemen are planning to attack vital targets inside Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones as they have done in the past.
• Meanwhile, Ukraine President Zelensky said trilateral talks on ending the war with Russia to continue once the security situation in Iran allows.
• Fox also reported (in fitting with i24 reports earlier): That Iraqi Kurds have launched a ground offensive in Iran.

Oil prices are experiencing a notable rise, primarily driven by escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The threats from the Houthis towards Saudi Arabia and military developments involving Iraqi Kurds highlight increasing instability, which often leads to concerns over supply disruptions and, consequently, higher oil prices. Traders should monitor these developments closely as they could have significant implications for global energy markets and inflation dynamics.