Oil prices actually slipped lower today despite the attack on Israel over the weekend as the event proved less damaging than originally anticipated. Both benchmarks had risen Friday with anticipation of Iran’s assault pushing prices to their highest level since October. “The success of the Israeli defense implies that the geopolitical risk has pulled back considerably,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho bank. Strong U.S retail sales data from the Commerce Department also hindered oil prices, Yawger added, by increasing the likelihood that interest rates in the world’s biggest economy would remain higher for longer and reduce demand for oil. All eyes will remain on the Middle East Theater as the market watches for any disruptions in supply. WTI traded down $0.25 or -0.3% to close at $85.41. Brent traded down $0.35 or -0.4% to close at $90.10.