US crude oil prices rose nearly 3% as the US warned of a possible imminent attack by Iran against Israel, according to CNBC.

Senior White House and Defense Department officials told NBC News that the U.S. “have indications that Iran is preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack on Israel».

“We are actively supporting defense preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack by Iran against Israel will have serious consequences for Iran“, a senior White House official told NBC.

In particular, in the November West Texas Intermediate contract, the price is at $70.22 a barrel, registering an increase of $2.01 or 2.95%. Brent oil, for the December contract, reached $73.65 a barrel, with an increase of $1.95 or 2.72%.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically last week as Israel pounded Iran-backed Hezbollah with airstrikes, killing the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu’s government sent ground forces into southern Lebanon on Tuesday.

Oil market and geopolitical analysts have warned repeatedly this year that an Israeli invasion of Lebanon could trigger a regional war with Iran, raising the risk of crude oil supply disruptions.