The Strait of Hormuz, the energy world's vital artery, was fully sealed off today after US fighter jets carried out a series of large-scale airstrikes against Iranian military bases and facilities.
According to international sources, the US airstrikes began at dawn, targeting multiple strategic sites along Iran's coastline, including missile launchers and radar stations controlling the strait. In response, Iran immediately activated measures to completely block all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, preventing oil tankers and cargo vessels from transiting.
The strait, located between the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, sees about 20 million barrels of crude oil—roughly 20% of global demand—shipped through daily. The blockade immediately sparked fears of severe disruption to energy supply, sending world oil prices soaring during Asian trading.
This marks potentially the most serious direct military confrontation between the US and Iran in decades. The Pentagon has not yet commented officially on this unexpected development, while the UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session later today.
