The United States will conduct an air force readiness exercise in the Middle East; oil prices rose 3% intraday, and spot gold rose over 2%.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, issued a statement on the 27th saying that its Ninth Air Force will conduct an air force readiness drill lasting several days, to demonstrate its ability for rapid deployment, dispersed deployment, and sustained operations within the area of responsibility of the Central Command. The statement said the exercise aims to enhance the ability to disperse military equipment and personnel, to strengthen regional partnerships, and to prepare for flexible response operations within the Central Command's area of responsibility.

During the exercise, the U.S. military will deploy small units to several emergency locations, and, under small-scale and efficient logistical support, will verify the procedures for rapid deployment, mission execution, and evacuation.

U.S. Central Command did not specify the exact dates and locations of the exercise.

The exercise comes at a time when the United States is continually increasing military pressure on Iran. The previous day, Central Command announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group had entered Middle Eastern waters.

International oil prices surged by up to 3% during trading. WTI crude rose 3.0% on the day to $62.46 per barrel. Brent crude rose 3.0% on the day to $66.72 per barrel.

Spot gold broke through the $5,120/oz threshold during trading, quoted at $5,120.99/oz, with intraday gains expanding to more than 2%. A weaker US dollar also provided a significant boost to gold prices on the day.

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