President Trump Threatens Naval Blockade Amid Chinese Oil Tankers' Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
Chinese state-owned oil tankers have navigated the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began over six weeks ago. This passage occurred under a new 'tollbooth' system implemented by Iran, allowing vetted commercial ships to transit the strait after a screening process. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy route, with about a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade passing through it during peacetime. The recent conflict has highlighted Iran's control over this strategic chokepoint, despite its military being weakened by U.S. and Israeli attacks. In response to these developments, President Trump has threatened a naval blockade to halt trade with Iran, including oil exports, which are vital to Iran's economy. This announcement has caused a significant reduction in ship traffic, which had averaged 138 vessels per day before the conflict. 
