New York Times: The United States launched fresh attacks against Iranian targets on Wednesday, hours after Iran targeted American military sites in the region. Neither side has shown signs of backing down in opening a new stage of the war…
Some ships refusing US-military guided Hormuz transits after attacks, sources say
“The U.S. doesn’t seem to have any control over the situation,” one shipping source said, adding that their company had opted not to sail through the strait due to crew safety concerns and the deteriorating security situation.
“Iran’s continued ability to target ships sailing through the Omani route means the Trump administration’s proposed solution to keep ships moving is unlikely to work,” said Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst with risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft…
The war with Iran has become a battle about a tollbooth. Free seas are at risk
If the conflict leaves Hormuz under the permanent control of Iran – or the United States – it could spell the beginning of the end of free passage on the open seas, a concept that has underpinned global trade for centuries.
“This could set a dangerous precedent and make international seaborne trade much more expensive, a cost that would ultimately be passed on to end-consumers,” Erik Grundt, a senior analyst at consultancy Rystad Energy, told CNN…
US military says it has redirected 2 commercial vessels since restarting blockade
The US military says it has “redirected” two commercial vessels since reimposing its naval blockade of ships going to and from Iranian ports. Global oil prices and US gas prices ticked up again amid the renewed blockade and increased strikes…
War Risk for Businesses Will Mean Higher Prices No Matter What Happens
Every business leader is saying, “I need to get myself options,” said Kevin O’Marah, chief research officer at Zero100, a firm that does research on supply chains. The urgency is felt by executives across sectors from pharmaceuticals to clothing to electronics.
That means having alternative manufacturers in other locales, stockpiling goods in case of unexpected stoppages and developing new supply chains…
U.S. Strikes Hit Tiny, Disputed Island in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it had attacked Iranian cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb, one of several small islands in the Strait of Hormuz subject to a decades-old territorial dispute…
Iran ramps up execution of political prisoners amid war with US, human rights data shows
“While the attention of the international community was on the war, the Iranian regime saw this as an opportunity to execute political prisoners because under normal circumstances these executions lead to international condemnation and they have a high political cost,” IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam told CNN.
With each execution, the regime sends a chilling message: we’re still in charge, and dissent will not be tolerated…