New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Crude oil prices marched higher in Thursday's trade, climbing to their highest levels in nearly a month as the United States prepared to impose a sweeping package of economic measures aimed at further isolating Iran from international financial and commercial channels.

International benchmark Brent crude rose by nearly $3 to around $92 a barrel, hitting its highest since July 22, and extending its gains for a fifth consecutive session. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped 3.3% to $86.72 a barrel.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that Iran would face the "greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world."

In an interview with CNBC, Bessent threatened secon...