US and Iran Exchange Strikes; Strait of Hormuz Remains Open, US Says
Part of composite article US Navy Seizes Oil Tanker Headed for Iran’s Kharg Island as 20% of Global Oil Flow at Risk View full article →
The United States insists the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, even as it exchanges military strikes with Iran. Iranian forces earlier claimed the strategic waterway was closed and launched wide-ranging attacks against US allies and military bases in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage in the Persian Gulf that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Its closure could disrupt global energy markets and shipping routes. The US military confirmed it is conducting operations to ensure safe passage, but did not provide details on the extent of the Iranian attacks or any US casualties.