The Headline
Latest US-Iran tensions over Strait of Hormuz
Key Facts
- The US could become more aggressive to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's traded oil and natural gas passes.1
- On April 20, the United States fired at and then seized an Iranian-flagged container ship close to the Strait of Hormuz amid its blockade of Iranian ports.
- Amidst current tensions, Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stating, 'The Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed. It is closed only to enemies.'
- The US imposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports on April 13 and has since directed 33 Iran-linked vessels to return to port.
- The Pentagon stated it would pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels supporting Iran.
