Oil prices extend gains amid geopolitical tensions

NEW YORK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices reversed early losses to settle higher on Monday as investors worried geopolitical tensions in the Middle East would tighten global supplies.

Saudi air defense intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi militias toward the border city of Jazan, according to Al Arabiya television on Monday.

According to officials, the city has witnessed more than 10,000 rocket attacks mostly arbitrarily targeting civilians since the conflict in Yemen began.

U.S. President Donald Trump's possible decision to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal is also in focus. The United States has until May 12 to decide whether it will leave a nuclear deal with Iran and impose new sanctions against Tehran, including potentially on its oil exports, which would further tighten global supplies.

The West Texas Intermediate for June delivery rose 0.24 U.S. dollar to settle at 68.64 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June delivery added 0.65 dollar to close at 74.71 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. Enditem