Trump's warning to Iran could lift oil prices

Oil prices rose to about US$66 as protests in Iran intensified and an Iranian official reported about 2,000 deaths; U.S. President Donald Trump posted that U.S. help was ready and the next action is undetermined at this time.

Protests and economic strain in Iran have intensified, and global markets have reacted. Oil prices have risen in the past week as unrest continued. An Iranian official reported about 2,000 deaths since late December and internet restrictions have limited reporting. U.S. President Donald Trump has posted warnings that U.S. help is ready, but no specific military action has been announced. Key facts: - An Iranian official told Reuters that about 2,000 people, including security personnel, have been killed since the protests began in late December, and internet blackouts have limited information flow. - Brent crude rose from around US$60 to about US$66 in the past week amid the unrest. - Iran holds the world’s third-largest oil reserves, but sanctions and other factors have reduced its exports from earlier levels. - President Trump posted that "Help is on its way" and said the U.S. was "locked and loaded," though no specific U.S. military action has been announced. Summary: The escalation of protests in Iran has coincided with a noticeable rise in oil prices and increased uncertainty for markets and policymakers. Reported casualties and communication restrictions have constrained clear reporting. Undetermined at this time.