A rise in oil prices intensified Thursday after President Biden suggested that U.S. officials are considering whether to support an Israeli strike on Iranian oil facilities, a move that could push gasoline prices higher just weeks before the presidential election.

WASHINGTON — President Biden said Thursday that the US is “discussing” the possibility of Israel bombing Iranian oil facilities as payback for a volley of nearly 200 rockets fired at the Jewish state on Tuesday — causing a spike in global crude prices.

His comments reflected a renewed effort by his administration to seek restraint from Israel to try to avoid a growing war in the Middle East.