Iran-US-Israel Conflict Disrupts Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of a geopolitical conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has significantly disrupted traffic in the waterway, a critical passage for global oil, by attacking commercial ships and threatening further strikes. This has led to cuts in oil production from major producers and a surge in fuel prices. The articles detail historical instances of disruption and threats to the Strait, including the Iran-Iraq 'Tanker War' in the 1980s, Iranian threats during nuclear sanctions in 2011-2012, and renewed threats after the US withdrawal from the nuclear accord in 2018. Ship seizures and drone attacks have also occurred in recent years, straining insurance rates and raising fears for shipping companies. The current conflict, now in its third week, has resulted in major consequences for energy markets, with roughly a fifth of the world's oil previously traveling through the Strait.