QtrendsUS and Iran exchange attacks over Strait of Hormuz control
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and claims to have struck a vessel transiting the waterway, while simultaneously attacking US-allied Gulf states. The US maintains the strait remains open and has intensified military operations in response. Both sides are presenting conflicting accounts of who controls this critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes.
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US, Iran exchange attacks around Strait of Hormuz
(Al Jazeera)
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will provide naval protection for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but only if shipping companies pay a 20% fee on all cargo moving through the waterway. The New York Times reports this could double shipping costs, while critics within Trump's own administration have questioned the feasibility and legality of such a toll. Shipping companies have been urgently seeking protection since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran disrupted the critical trade route.
Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister has been appointed to serve out the remainder of his term in the US Senate. The appointment was confirmed by state officials and was seen as a way to maintain continuity in South Carolina's representation. Graham had held his Senate seat since 2003 and was a prominent figure in American foreign policy debates.