The threat of an imminent attack by Iran against Israel has increased tension in the markets and has translated in recent hours into significant increases in oil, but also in gold and sovereign bonds. In all three cases, prices have moderated throughout the session after an abrupt rise.
Crude oil prices have risen more than 2% and have reached the highest levels since October during the session. Brent, the reference crude oil in Europe, touched $92.2 per barrel around 2:30 p.m., although it later lost steam and is now around $91 per barrel, with a rise of 1%. So far this year, prices have increased by 20%.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), a benchmark in the US, increases by 1.5% and exceeds $86.3 per barrel.
From the United States, the White House has assured today that Iran's threats against Israel are "credible." "We consider that the potential threat from Iran is real, it is undoubtedly credible," said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Efe reports. The spokesperson explained that Joe Biden's Administration is in contact with the Israeli Government so that it "has everything it needs" to defend itself.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have increased after an attack blamed on the Israeli military on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week killed seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The Iranian army indicated that it is prepared to face the threats of the “enemies.”
