**Biden Discusses Potential Israeli Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Oil Prices**

US President Joe Biden has revealed that discussions are underway with Israel regarding the possibility of Israeli strikes on Iran's oil infrastructure. When pressed on whether he supports such strikes, President Biden remarked, "We're discussing that. I think that would be a little... anyway." This is a departure from his previous stance where he opposed Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Following Biden's comments, the price of crude oil surged by 5%, continuing an upward trajectory that has seen a 10% increase since Iran's large-scale missile barrage against Israel on Tuesday. The recent conflict saw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that Iran would "pay a heavy price" after launching 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. Iran claimed this attack was in retaliation for the killings of key figures including Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan.

President Biden noted that while Israel has the right to respond, any retaliation should be proportional. In his remarks, Biden clarified that the US does not permit Israel's military actions but instead offers advice, emphasizing that no immediate strikes were expected. Previously, Biden had dismissed the idea of supporting attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, a notion proposed by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who believed such strikes could significantly alter the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.

Reports from Israeli media suggest that Israel might initially target Iran's oil facilities, with plans to strike nuclear sites should Iran retaliate. The heightened tensions have caused anxiety in global markets, particularly concerning the Straits of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG traffic.

Recent reports of blasts and gunfire near Israeli embassies in Copenhagen and Stockholm have further added to the unease. The potential for ongoing violence raises the specter of increased petrol prices and higher household gas and electricity bills. Social media reactions paint a picture of mixed emotions, with users expressing pride, fear, and uncertainty in the wake of these developments. Additionally, the conflict has seen Israel carry out its first strike near the center of Beirut in Lebanon, marking a significant escalation.