LONDON: Oil prices climbed more than 1 percent on Wednesday as investors assessed the stability of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, while support also came from data that showed US demand was relatively strong. Brent crude futures were up 99 cents, or 1.5 percent, at $68.13 a barrel at 12:02 p.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 94 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $65.31. Brent settled on Tuesday at its lowest since June 10 and WTI since June 5, both before Israel launched a surprise attack on key Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 13.

Oil markets are reacting to the impact of a U.S. decision to directly enter the Iran-Israel conflict.

The rise in prices came after President Trump said he had \