1. U.S. crude oil futures surged by over $3 to $97.42 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
2. The Israeli military claims to have killed senior Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, significantly escalating the regional conflict.
3. Japan is considering a release of its strategic oil reserves to stabilize soaring energy prices amid the crisis.
Oil Surges Above $97, Middle East Tensions Escalate, Japan Considers Reserve Release
