Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Over Lebanon Attacks
Iran has stopped all peace talks over Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz in response.
The Strait closure is the largest oil supply disruption in history. Global oil prices rose 7% and topped $97 a barrel.
Liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar have stopped. Food shortages have appeared across Gulf states and Asia.
Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the Lebanon attacks. Trump said Netanyahu agreed not to send troops to Beirut.
Trump also said he was not told Iran was stopping peace talks. A US-Iran ceasefire was announced on April 8.
But it has seen repeated violations. Leaders are still trying to extend the ceasefire deal. Shipping through the Strait remains far below normal levels.
Klear Note — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. About one-third of world's oil passes through it daily. Closing it disrupts global energy supplies and raises prices worldwide.
Key Terms 4
- Strait of Hormuz Narrow sea passage where much of the world's oil travels through
- ceasefire An agreement to stop fighting between two sides
- Brent crude A standard type of oil used to set global oil prices
- liquefied natural gas Natural gas cooled into liquid form so it can be shipped