Trump news at a glance: a tale of two blockades as US and Iran spin their control over strait of Hormuz
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump claimed the US has "total control over the strait of Hormuz," despite ongoing tensions and challenges in the region.
- Iran's leadership is reportedly weakened by internal conflicts, making it unclear who is in charge, according to Trump.
- Iranian commandos recently seized two container ships, and a US report warned it could take six months to clear mines from the strait, casting doubt on US control claims.
- US special forces boarded a stateless oil tanker in the Indian Ocean suspected of carrying Iranian crude, following Iran's seizure of the container ships.
- Both the US and Iran continue to enforce competing blockades on the strait, maintaining global oil prices around $100 per barrel, while US forces have yet to secure safe passage for vessels from allied Gulf ports.
