Oil prices strengthened on Thursday on investor concern that a widening Middle East conflict could pose a threat to crude oil flows from the region. Brent crude futures were up $2.82, or 3.82%, at $76.

Oil futures finished higher for a third straight session on Thursday, prompting prices to turn higher for the year, as traders awaited Israel’s response to a missile barrage earlier this week by Iran amid concerns of a wider Middle East conflict that could disrupt flows of crude from the region.

Year to date, WTI prices are down by 2.60%. Brent futures traded at $75.41/bbl, an increase of 0.13% in the last 24 hours. Year to date, Brent prices are down by 4.62%. USA TODAY Blueprint may earn a commission from this advertiser.

Oil prices surged on Thursday as concerns mounted that a widening regional conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global crude flows. Brent crude futures settled up $3.72, or 5.03%, at $77.62 a barrel.

Iran’s Kharg Island, a small landmass in the Persian Gulf, has become a focal point in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite its size of only 24 square kilometers (9.3 square miles),