cnn.com - Iran hormuz rules warime gains intl

While shipping has always passed unimpeded through the Straits of Hormuz, since the US/Israeli attacks on Iran, the country has used its commanding position on the Straits to only allow ships through who have paid them a "toll". In the meantime, the US has said that any ship which has paid a toll to Iran can be boarded and sanctioned. Ships and their cargos are very valuable and their insurance companies have basically said that they won't cover any losses if the ships and/or cargo are damaged or confiscated. The US tried to set up an arraignment to escort ships, but got few who would agree unless the US would cover any losses - so President Trump withdrew the offer.

Right now, it seems like it's a breath-holding contest between Iran who is being economically damaged by the US blockade and the US which, while self-sufficient in fuel, is subject to global pricing and whose population is getting tired of paying nearly $5 a gallon for gas because of a war started or reasons few understand, while trying to get Iran to sign a less restrictive agreement than the one President Trump abrogated during his first presidency.

Jeff