NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices climbed on Wednesday on worries that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could threaten oil supplies from the world's top producing region, but a large build in U.S. crude inventories limited gains.

Oil prices were on track for weekly gains of 9% as investors feared a wider Middle East conflict could disrupt crude flows after President Joe Biden said the United States was discussing an Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities.

Intensifying tensions between Iran and Israel that threatens oil inventory in Iran; Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea that could limit oil supply and deliveries; Since markets a