** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise as much as 2%, on track to log their second straight session of gains, if trend holds

** U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday as supplies from the Gulf remain constrained amid U.S. and Israel's war on Iran O/R

** Energy giant Woodside Energy WDS.AX rises 1.7%, smaller peer Santos STO.AX adds 2.4%

** Sub-index has risen 23.5% this year, including session moves

(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)

((Roshan.Thomas@thomsonreuters.com;))