President Trump Extends Hormuz Blockade, Impacting Global Oil Markets
President Trump has instructed his aides to continue the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies, until Iran agrees to a new nuclear deal. This strategic move aims to pressure Iran by cutting off significant revenue from oil exports, which are vital to its economy. The blockade has drastically reduced the number of vessels passing through the strait, which typically sees 125 to 140 vessels transporting about 20 million barrels of oil daily. The U.S. naval forces have specifically targeted Iranian oil shipments, forcing several tankers to return to the Persian Gulf. This action has led to a significant increase in global oil prices, with Brent crude reaching its highest levels since June 2022.