BENGALURU: Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Tuesday after a report that the United States had struck Iran's Qeshm Island, raising concerns about an escalation of the eight-month conflict and prolonged disruptions to Middle East oil supplies.

Brent crude futures rose 48 US cents, or 0.5 per cent, to US$105.25 a barrel by 0104 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 47 US cents, or 0.5 per cent, at US$96.93 a barrel.

Brent crude futures settled US$8.66, or 7.63 per cent, lower at US$104.77 a barrel on Monday.

The United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. Some of the officials described the assaults as defensive in nature to prevent Iran from having the freedom to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.