Trump threatens to escalate strikes against Iran, and European natural gas prices further rise.

President Trump's threat to launch more strikes against Iran has impacted European natural gas prices, which have risen for the third consecutive day. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dampened expectations for a quick return to normal energy supply in the region. With limited supply of LNG shipping capacity at sea, competition for sources between Europe and Asia has continued to restrict energy circulation, which is delaying Europe's progress in replenishing gas storage for next winter.