Ruptly
"Dozens of oil tankers and cargo vessels were seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the second day of a US 'maritime blockade' targeting Iranian ports, as tensions continued to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Roughly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the narrow waterway, with disruptions sending shockwaves across global markets. US President Donald Trump said the blockade is a response to Iran's 'extortionist' system of tolls imposed on shipping. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation is selective, applying only to vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, and not to general transit through the strait to other destinations. Trump warned that any Iranian naval vessels approaching the blockade would be 'immediately eliminated', describing the potential response as 'quick and brutal'. Iranian officials, however, maintain that the strait falls within their maritime jurisdiction. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said all traffic in the waterway remains under the 'full control' of Iranian armed forces, adding that non-military vessels may transit provided they comply with Iranian regulations. Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs branded Trump's blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible!', warning that it 'only intensifies the conflict'. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled following talks in Islamabad that failed to secure guarantees for long-term transit, although officials in Pakistan have indicated that a second round of negotiations could still be on the cards. International concern is growing, with no unified multinational naval mission yet established. The United Kingdom and France are expected to host discussions on a potential defensive operation aimed at restoring secure passage. The disruption is already affecting global markets, with constrained oil flows and sharp price volatility driven by fears of prolonged instability. Humanitarian agencies have warned of rising risks to food security, as delays to fertiliser, grain and bulk cargo shipments threaten to push up prices and inflationary pressures."
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