BEIJING, July 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose more than $1 in early Thursday Asia trading after the U.S. launched fresh strikes against Iran.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up $1.03, or 1.4%, at $74.55 a barrel by 2238 GMT.

Both crude benchmarks, WTI and Brent, rose more than a dollar in post-settlement trade on Wednesday after the U.S. military began launching fresh strikes on Iran.