New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- Oil prices extended gains on Thursday, February 19, as signs of conflict between the US and Iran sparked worries of possible supply disruptions.

The US and Iran sought to defuse tensions during negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme, even as both nations stepped up military activity in the key oil-producing region.

Brent crude futures rose 17 cents, or 0.24%, to $70.52 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude advanced 28 cents, or 0.4%, to $65.47 per barrel during Asian trading hours.

Both benchmarks ended Wednesday with gains of over 4%, marking their strongest settlements since January 30, as traders factored in possible supply disruptions driven by rising tensions between the US and Iran....