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Showing posts with label Strait of Hormuz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strait of Hormuz. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2026
"Quagmire": Jeremy Scahill on Iran War, Strait of Hormuz, Market Manipulation & More
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Trump Extends Deadline for Iran to Re-open Strait of Hormuz as Stock Markets Fall | BBC News
President Trump has claimed that talks with Iran are “going very well” and he’s said he’s giving its leaders a further 10 days to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, before launching threatened attacks on the country’s energy sites.
In a post on his Truth Social media platform Trump wrote: "As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days.”
Earlier, the US president said the US would be Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it doesn’t agree to a peace plan. His special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that he has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran.
Trump said talks with Iran were continuing and claimed it had let some oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to him. Iran has denied that talks to end the war are taking place.
US stocks fell again, adding to steep falls seen since the start of the war.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gary O’Donoghue, Faisal Islam and James Landale.
In a post on his Truth Social media platform Trump wrote: "As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days.”
Earlier, the US president said the US would be Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it doesn’t agree to a peace plan. His special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that he has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran.
Trump said talks with Iran were continuing and claimed it had let some oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to him. Iran has denied that talks to end the war are taking place.
US stocks fell again, adding to steep falls seen since the start of the war.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gary O’Donoghue, Faisal Islam and James Landale.
Monday, March 23, 2026
The US Is Losing Until Iran's Closure of Strait of Hormuz Ends | General Sir Richard Shirreff
Mar 23, 2026 | "It can end in two ways. One is the Americans and the Israelis recognise that this is going nowhere, that they have culminated despite this ferocious bombing campaign."
In order for the US to achieve regime change, they would have to "escalate and this turns into a ground war, which would be an absolute catastrophe", says former deputy Nato supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff.
In order for the US to achieve regime change, they would have to "escalate and this turns into a ground war, which would be an absolute catastrophe", says former deputy Nato supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Trump Threatens to ‘Obliterate’ Iran Power Plants over Strait of Hormuz
“Strait of Hormuz Will Be Closed Completely!” Iran Warns After US Threat | APT
Mar 22, 2026 | Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned of severe retaliation if U.S. threats against Iran’s energy infrastructure are carried out.
He said Iran could fully close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy, power, and IT infrastructure linked to Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Zolfaghari stated that facilities in countries hosting American bases could also become targets. Emphasising Iran’s readiness, he said any attack would trigger a broad response aimed at American economic interests. He added that Iran does not seek war but will act decisively to defend its national interests.
He said Iran could fully close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy, power, and IT infrastructure linked to Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Zolfaghari stated that facilities in countries hosting American bases could also become targets. Emphasising Iran’s readiness, he said any attack would trigger a broad response aimed at American economic interests. He added that Iran does not seek war but will act decisively to defend its national interests.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Iran War Will End in US Strategic Failure: Why the UK Keeps ‘Well Clear’ of Conflict | Sean Bell
Mar 21, 2026 | “America will walk away having achieved a military victory but a strategic failure.”
The British government and military are trying to “keep well clear” of the conflict in Iran as it’s an “unwinnable war”, says former RAF Air Vice Marshall Sean Bell.
The British government and military are trying to “keep well clear” of the conflict in Iran as it’s an “unwinnable war”, says former RAF Air Vice Marshall Sean Bell.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Trump Decries Nato Allies as ‘Cowards’ as Strait of Hormuz Impasse Goes On
THE GUARDIAN: Comments come amid reports US is preparing to send three more warships and thousands more troops to Middle East
Donald Trump has called Nato allies “cowards” for not wanting to “help open” the strait of Hormuz, with the US reportedly preparing to send three more warships and thousands more troops to the Middle East amid fears about the economic damage being caused by the war on Iran.
The US is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s strategically crucial Kharg Island to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait.
The reports from US media organisations emerged as Iran’s military threatened it would “hunt down” officials and military commanders from the United States and Israel wherever it could find them in the world including at world tourist destinations.
“We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” the Iranian armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi said, quoted by state TV. “From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe.”
The reports that Washington is considering plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island come despite earlier suggestions by Trump that he was not leaning towards putting “boots on the ground”. » | Peter Beaumont | Senior international correspondent | Friday, March 20, 2026
The draft dodger must be about the most hated man on the planet! In this war, he’s up over his head. He is the cause of misery and suffering on an epic scale, but he seems neither to know it nor to understand the screw-up he has made. In any case, he is utterly insouciant about it all, expecting others to help him clean up the mess he himself has created. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem to realize that he has brought the world to the brink of catastrophe. A deep depression and even a world war could well ensue from his reckless military excursions into the unknown. — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump has called Nato allies “cowards” for not wanting to “help open” the strait of Hormuz, with the US reportedly preparing to send three more warships and thousands more troops to the Middle East amid fears about the economic damage being caused by the war on Iran.
The US is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s strategically crucial Kharg Island to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait.
The reports from US media organisations emerged as Iran’s military threatened it would “hunt down” officials and military commanders from the United States and Israel wherever it could find them in the world including at world tourist destinations.
“We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” the Iranian armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi said, quoted by state TV. “From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe.”
The reports that Washington is considering plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island come despite earlier suggestions by Trump that he was not leaning towards putting “boots on the ground”. » | Peter Beaumont | Senior international correspondent | Friday, March 20, 2026
The draft dodger must be about the most hated man on the planet! In this war, he’s up over his head. He is the cause of misery and suffering on an epic scale, but he seems neither to know it nor to understand the screw-up he has made. In any case, he is utterly insouciant about it all, expecting others to help him clean up the mess he himself has created. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem to realize that he has brought the world to the brink of catastrophe. A deep depression and even a world war could well ensue from his reckless military excursions into the unknown. — © Mark Alexander
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Iran War: Trump White House at ‘Panic Stations’ over Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Mar 19, 2026 | Saudi Arabia is warning it may retaliate against Iran after fresh threats to oil and gas infrastructure as Donald Trump’s administration desperately tries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
With strikes hitting key energy facilities across the Gulf, this conflict is no longer just military - it’s an economic war with global consequences.
So how far could this escalate? And what does it mean for energy prices, inflation and the world economy?
On this episode of The Fourcast Matt Frei is joined by The Economists defence editor Shashank Joshi and Channel 4 News’ economics editor Helia Ebrahimi.
With strikes hitting key energy facilities across the Gulf, this conflict is no longer just military - it’s an economic war with global consequences.
So how far could this escalate? And what does it mean for energy prices, inflation and the world economy?
On this episode of The Fourcast Matt Frei is joined by The Economists defence editor Shashank Joshi and Channel 4 News’ economics editor Helia Ebrahimi.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Trump Risks Impeachment as Iran War Backfires
This gentleman says that Trump is unpopular in many European countries. Unpopular? He's hated! — © Mark Alexander
Iran Challenges US Dollar, Demanding Oil Be Sold in Chinese Yuan, as It Targets US Corporations
Mar 17, 2026 | In response to the US-Israeli war, Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, the most important oil chokepoint on Earth, causing energy prices to skyrocket.
However, Tehran is allowing Chinese tankers through, and says other ships can pass if they agree to sell oil in China's currency, the renminbi (aka yuan).
Iran is also targeting offices of major American corporations, and wants to force them out of the Middle East (West Asia), while trying to expel US military bases.
Ben Norton explains how this war affects the petrodollar system, and the dominance of the dollar as the global reserve currency.
INVESTOPEDIA: Yuan vs. Renminbi: What’s the Difference? »
However, Tehran is allowing Chinese tankers through, and says other ships can pass if they agree to sell oil in China's currency, the renminbi (aka yuan).
Iran is also targeting offices of major American corporations, and wants to force them out of the Middle East (West Asia), while trying to expel US military bases.
Ben Norton explains how this war affects the petrodollar system, and the dominance of the dollar as the global reserve currency.
INVESTOPEDIA: Yuan vs. Renminbi: What’s the Difference? »
Monday, March 16, 2026
Donald Trump Demands Other Countries Bail Him Out of His Biggest Mistake Yet
U.S. Allies Rebuff Trump’s Appeal for Help in Strait of Hormuz
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Germany and other nations rejected President Trump’s call for warships to reopen the vital oil route. The Israeli military escalated ground attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump is expected to speak soon.
American allies around the world have responded coolly to — or outright rebuffed — President Trump’s call to send warships to escort merchant vessels in and out of the Persian Gulf, illustrating the consequences of his dismissive approach to global alliances.
The sharpest refusal came Monday from Germany, whose defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said, “This is not our war; we did not start it.” Top officials of Japan, Italy and Australia said Monday that their countries would not participate in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Others were noncommittal, including France, South Korea and Britain, whose prime minister, Keir Starmer, said his country would not be “drawn into wider war.”
Mr. Trump’s call on social media on Saturday for other nations to join the United States in an escort effort came just a week ago, he turned down Mr. Starmer’s offer to send two British aircraft carriers to the region. “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!” Mr. Trump said at the time.
As Iran blockades most traffic through the oil shipping choke point, Mr. Trump’s appeal was the first time he had sounded eager to build a broad coalition against Iran. But he was asking for backup from allies who were not consulted ahead of the U.S.-Israeli decision to go to war, and who were derided by Mr. Trump in the past.
The American-Israeli air war against Iran, now in its third week, has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and has drawn in much of the Middle East, as Iran has launched rockets and drones at neighboring countries and at ships in the Gulf. Global energy prices have skyrocketed with tanker traffic all but stopped through the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for around a fifth of the world’s oil shipments. The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, briefly reached $106 on Monday.
The United States appears to have been unprepared for the extent of that retaliation and the need to escort ships through the strait — something that administration officials have discussed publicly since the first week of the war, but has not yet begun.
Mr. Trump said NATO member nations should help, and told The Financial Times on Sunday, “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.” He called on China to send naval escorts, too, but Beijing has little incentive to cooperate; Iran, which sells oil to China, is letting its ships pass safely. Mr. Trump has threatened to postpone a planned summit meeting with Xi Jinping, China’s leader, as he focuses on the war. Iran War Live Updates » | David E. Sanger, Christopher F. Schuetze, Megan Specia and Aaron Boxerman | Monday, March 16, 2026
Goldilocks started this war, so let Goldilocks finish it! — © Mark Alexander
American allies around the world have responded coolly to — or outright rebuffed — President Trump’s call to send warships to escort merchant vessels in and out of the Persian Gulf, illustrating the consequences of his dismissive approach to global alliances.
The sharpest refusal came Monday from Germany, whose defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said, “This is not our war; we did not start it.” Top officials of Japan, Italy and Australia said Monday that their countries would not participate in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Others were noncommittal, including France, South Korea and Britain, whose prime minister, Keir Starmer, said his country would not be “drawn into wider war.”
Mr. Trump’s call on social media on Saturday for other nations to join the United States in an escort effort came just a week ago, he turned down Mr. Starmer’s offer to send two British aircraft carriers to the region. “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!” Mr. Trump said at the time.
As Iran blockades most traffic through the oil shipping choke point, Mr. Trump’s appeal was the first time he had sounded eager to build a broad coalition against Iran. But he was asking for backup from allies who were not consulted ahead of the U.S.-Israeli decision to go to war, and who were derided by Mr. Trump in the past.
The American-Israeli air war against Iran, now in its third week, has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and has drawn in much of the Middle East, as Iran has launched rockets and drones at neighboring countries and at ships in the Gulf. Global energy prices have skyrocketed with tanker traffic all but stopped through the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for around a fifth of the world’s oil shipments. The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, briefly reached $106 on Monday.
The United States appears to have been unprepared for the extent of that retaliation and the need to escort ships through the strait — something that administration officials have discussed publicly since the first week of the war, but has not yet begun.
Mr. Trump said NATO member nations should help, and told The Financial Times on Sunday, “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.” He called on China to send naval escorts, too, but Beijing has little incentive to cooperate; Iran, which sells oil to China, is letting its ships pass safely. Mr. Trump has threatened to postpone a planned summit meeting with Xi Jinping, China’s leader, as he focuses on the war. Iran War Live Updates » | David E. Sanger, Christopher F. Schuetze, Megan Specia and Aaron Boxerman | Monday, March 16, 2026
Goldilocks started this war, so let Goldilocks finish it! — © Mark Alexander
Trump Believed His Own Propaganda | Andrew Neil
Mar 16, 2026 | “He thought he could walk on water when it came to these military matters.”
Donald Trump began the conflict in Iran without sufficient contingency plans to keep the Strait of Hormuz open because he was buoyed by US success in Venezuela last year, and received bad advice that the Iranian regime would crumble quickly, says Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil.
Donald Trump began the conflict in Iran without sufficient contingency plans to keep the Strait of Hormuz open because he was buoyed by US success in Venezuela last year, and received bad advice that the Iranian regime would crumble quickly, says Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil.
Trump Warns NATO over Securing the Strait of Hormuz | BBC News
Mar 16, 2026 | US President Donald Trump has said it would be "very bad for the future of NATO" if allies don't help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipping.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the US president said he expects China to help unblock the strait and could delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if it doesn’t.
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport said it had to temporarily suspend flights after an Iranian drone struck nearby.
Israel said it has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Trump is up over his neck in it! He and his chum have so obviously bitten off more than they can chew. First, Trump screwed up the American economy; now, with this illegal war on Iran, he is busy screwing up the world economy, too. — © Mark Alexander
In an interview with the Financial Times, the US president said he expects China to help unblock the strait and could delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if it doesn’t.
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport said it had to temporarily suspend flights after an Iranian drone struck nearby.
Israel said it has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Trump is up over his neck in it! He and his chum have so obviously bitten off more than they can chew. First, Trump screwed up the American economy; now, with this illegal war on Iran, he is busy screwing up the world economy, too. — © Mark Alexander
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Iran Could Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed for Months | Tom Sharpe
Mar 15, 2026 | “What [Trump] is coming up against is the stark reality of facing an enemy who’ve had 30 years to prepare and dig in for this moment in time.”
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz would require neutralising Iran’s drones, missiles, fast attack craft and mines before warships could safely escort commercial shipping, a process that could take weeks or even months if the strait has been heavily mined, says former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe.
Let Trump do his own dirty work. The UK should steer well clear of the Iran War. This is Trump and Netanyahu's war; let them fight it themselves. They started it. — © Mark Alexander
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz would require neutralising Iran’s drones, missiles, fast attack craft and mines before warships could safely escort commercial shipping, a process that could take weeks or even months if the strait has been heavily mined, says former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe.
Let Trump do his own dirty work. The UK should steer well clear of the Iran War. This is Trump and Netanyahu's war; let them fight it themselves. They started it. — © Mark Alexander
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Iran Escalates after US Strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, | Gulf Oil Crisis Explained
Mar 14, 2026 | Tensions in the Middle East are escalating after a reported strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key location tied to Iran’s oil infrastructure and strategic military operations.
US President Donald Trump previously warned that Iranian oil infrastructure could be targeted, a move that could have massive consequences for Iran’s fragile economy and global energy markets. Analysts warn that any disruption to Iranian oil exports or the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a major spike in global oil prices.
In this analysis, geopolitical experts discuss the strategic significance of the strike and Iran’s response. Iran appears to be following a “tit-for-tat escalation strategy,” increasing pressure on regional energy infrastructure and signalling that it is willing to widen the conflict if attacks continue.
Reports also suggest an attack near Fujairah port in the UAE, one of the most critical energy shipping hubs in the Persian Gulf. If tensions continue to rise, global shipping routes and energy markets could face serious disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical chokepoint in the global oil supply chain. Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through this narrow waterway. Any military escalation in this area could send shockwaves across global markets.
US President Donald Trump previously warned that Iranian oil infrastructure could be targeted, a move that could have massive consequences for Iran’s fragile economy and global energy markets. Analysts warn that any disruption to Iranian oil exports or the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a major spike in global oil prices.
In this analysis, geopolitical experts discuss the strategic significance of the strike and Iran’s response. Iran appears to be following a “tit-for-tat escalation strategy,” increasing pressure on regional energy infrastructure and signalling that it is willing to widen the conflict if attacks continue.
Reports also suggest an attack near Fujairah port in the UAE, one of the most critical energy shipping hubs in the Persian Gulf. If tensions continue to rise, global shipping routes and energy markets could face serious disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical chokepoint in the global oil supply chain. Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through this narrow waterway. Any military escalation in this area could send shockwaves across global markets.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Iran Escalates Strategy with Threats to Lay Mines in the Strait of Hormuz
Mar 11, 2026 | “They need to spread the risk of this conflict across as many states as possible.”
Iran is holding the threat of mines over vessels operating out of the Strait of Hormuz, says Director of Policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping, Peter Aylott.
Iran is holding the threat of mines over vessels operating out of the Strait of Hormuz, says Director of Policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping, Peter Aylott.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Price of Oil Could Spike after Iran’s Parliament Votes to Close Key Shipping Route
THE GUARDIAN: Move could cause a global recession and comes in response to the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites
Iran’s parliament has voted to shut down the vital Hormuz shipping channel in retaliation against Donald Trump’s attack on the country, prompting fears of a sharp spike in oil prices that could cause a global recession.
A barrel of Brent crude was selling for about $77 on Friday, having risen by more than 10% since mid-June when Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites prompted missile strikes from Tehran against Tel Aviv.
But Trump’s decision to follow Israel by launching a US attack on Iran has set off a chain of events that analysts warned could drive prices up much further when markets open at 11pm UK time on Sunday. » | Rob Davies | Sunday, June 22, 2025
Iran’s parliament has voted to shut down the vital Hormuz shipping channel in retaliation against Donald Trump’s attack on the country, prompting fears of a sharp spike in oil prices that could cause a global recession.
A barrel of Brent crude was selling for about $77 on Friday, having risen by more than 10% since mid-June when Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites prompted missile strikes from Tehran against Tel Aviv.
But Trump’s decision to follow Israel by launching a US attack on Iran has set off a chain of events that analysts warned could drive prices up much further when markets open at 11pm UK time on Sunday. » | Rob Davies | Sunday, June 22, 2025
Saturday, July 20, 2019
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