Iran has threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East after the US reimposed a blockade of its ports and ships, according to the Guardian, which reported that Tehran closed the strait of Hormuz and carried out retaliatory strikes as the two countries traded fire for a fifth day.
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Key facts
- Iran threatened to halt all Middle East energy exports in response to a renewed US blockade, according to the Guardian.
- The Guardian reported the US blockade of Iranian ports and ships came into force early Wednesday.
- Iran shut the strait of Hormuz and carried out retaliatory airstrikes on countries hosting US bases, the Guardian reported.
- The two countries have traded strikes for a fifth consecutive day, according to the outlet.
- The Guardian reported the escalation further threatens the interim deal between the US and Iran.
Iran has threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East after the United States reimposed a blockade of its ports and ships, according to the Guardian. The report said the two countries continued to trade strikes for a fifth day, deepening a crisis that further threatens the interim deal between them.
The US blockade came into force early on Wednesday, the Guardian reported. In response, Iran shut the strait of Hormuz and carried out a wave of retaliatory airstrikes on countries hosting US bases in the region, according to the outlet.
The strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy shipments, and its closure raises the prospect of disruption to Middle East exports.
The Guardian reported that US President Donald Trump had threatened to strike civilian infrastructure in Iran, including power plants, which the outlet described as a step that could constitute a possible war crime. The report did not include a response from the US administration to that characterisation.
The Guardian reported that the renewed hostilities place the interim deal between the two countries under further strain. The full scope of the strikes, the extent of any damage, casualty figures and independent verification of the events were not detailed in the source reporting.
The Guardian is providing live updates on the developing Middle East crisis as the situation continues to unfold.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important routes for energy shipments, so any closure or halt to Middle East exports could ripple through global energy markets. An escalating exchange of strikes between the US and Iran also risks drawing in other countries in the region and unravelling an existing interim deal.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Iran shut the strait of Hormuz?
According to the Guardian, Iran shut the strait of Hormuz and carried out retaliatory airstrikes after the US reimposed a blockade of Iranian ports and ships early on Wednesday.
What has the US threatened to do?
The Guardian reported that President Donald Trump has threatened to hit civilian infrastructure, including power plants, which the outlet noted could constitute a possible war crime.
How long have the two countries been trading strikes?
The source reports that the US and Iran had been trading strikes for a fifth day at the time of publication.
Timeline
- Iran threatens to halt all Middle East energy exports amid renewed US blockade
The Guardian World: Tehran shuts strait of Hormuz and carries out retaliatory strikes as Trump threatens to hit civilian infrastructure, a possible war crime Middle East crisis – live updates Iran threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East after the US reimposed a blockade of its por