** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ gain as much as 2.6%, their biggest intraday pct gain since January 22
** Sub-index has gained 3.2% over the past two sessions as oil prices rose on escalating U.S. -Iran tensions O/R
** Shares of Woodside Energy WDS.AX gains as much as 2.9% to A$25.79, their highest level since November 21, 2025 ** Santos STO.AX up 2.4% ** AXEJ sub-index gained 10.6% in January
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))