Khaberni - The American President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would use "a little" of its strategic oil reserves after the International Energy Agency stated that its member countries would take similar steps in the face of the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump said in an interview with "Local 12" TV channel in Cincinnati, Ohio, responding to a question about whether he would use the U.S. strategic oil reserve, "For now we will reduce it a little, which will lower the prices."
Oil prices rose to nearly five percent at settlement on Wednesday amid escalating fears of supply disruptions due to new attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while analysts said the International Energy Agency's proposal for a record withdrawal from oil stocks was not enough to ease these concerns.
Brent crude futures increased by 4.18 dollars, or 4.8 percent, to settle at 91.98 dollars per barrel. American West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 3.80 dollars, or 4.6 percent, to settle at 87.25 dollars per barrel.
Maritime security companies and risk management reported on Wednesday that three more ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, the number of ships targeted in the region has risen to at least 14 since the outbreak of the war in Iran.
Since Saturday, February 28, Israel and the United States have been conducting airstrikes on Iran, which led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and since then, Tehran has retaliated by striking Israel and countries in the region with missiles and drones.
Iran implemented a naval blockade on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and targeted oil tankers attempting to cross it.
