WTI and Brent sit ~$0.50 above their............>

OIL: WTI and Brent sit ~$0.50 above their respective settlement levels at

typing, adding to Thursday's modest gains, after the latter came alongside a bid

in equity markets.

- Reports of a large explosion just near a military facility outside of Tehran,

Iran garnered attention in the NY/Asia crossover, but authorities pointed to a

gas explosion, with no casualties reported.

- On the supply side, BBG reports pointed to a notable drop in Russian Urals

grade oil export plans, with the three major western ports shipping the grade

set to see volumes fall by 40% M/M, as the country looks to step up its

production pact compliance.

- Elsewhere, a judge shut down an energy pipeline in Michigan's Great Lakes on

Thursday, on the back of a state request surrounding problems with a support

piece, which creates safety issues for the line.