Oil Prices Rise Over 2% Amid Renewed Middle East Tensions

Oil prices increased significantly as the West Texas Intermediate futures rose more than 2% to close at $96.02, while Brent crude advanced nearly 2% to settle at $97.81 per barrel. The Kuwait International Airport was struck by Iran early Wednesday, escalating tensions with the U.S. and potentially affecting supply. This geopolitical situation has raised energy and inflation concerns, with Asia-Pacific markets expected to open lower. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures were at 67,555, down from a previous close of 68,402.13, indicating a market reaction to these developments.