Why Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz after decades of holding back
Trump has declared the US the ‘guardian’ of the Strait of Hormuz, but his strikes are feeding the very behaviour they aim to deter.
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Strait of Hormuz: Gulf states’ food security is at immediate risk but wider shortages could push up consumer prices globally
Gulf states depend on food imported via the strait – and shipping surcharges could raise the cost of consumer goods around the world.
Strait of Hormuz: if the Iran conflict shuts world’s most important oil chokepoint, global economic chaos could follow
Iran has warned it could close down the strait, through which 20% of the world’s oil transits each day.
The Strait of Hormuz shows how everything is now about leverage
Controlling supply chains puts a country in a very powerful position.
Iran has been threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz for years – it’s a key part of Tehran’s defence strategy
Iran has used its ability to close the waterway many times over the past 40 years.
Has the Strait of Hormuz emerged as Iran’s most powerful form of deterrence?
Iran’s confidence in having proven its ability to blockade Hormuz may provide cover for dialling down its nuclear ambiguity posture.
US blockade of Strait of Hormuz ratchets up tensions with China ahead of Trump visit to Beijing
An episode where a China-linked vessel appeared to challenge the blockade shows how explosive this situation could be.
US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz: what it involves and the risks attached
The blockade is costly, hard to enforce and raises the chance of the situation escalating.
Iran’s threat to cut undersea cables in Strait of Hormuz poses a serious threat to Gulf states
On the Strait of Hormuz seabed are vital communication cables linking Gulf states with the rest of the world.
Why Iran broke the ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz and what might happen next – expert Q&A
A MIddle East expert addresses some of the key questions about the renewed conflict.
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