Iran and the US harden their positions as Tehran keeps its grip on the Strait of Hormuz
Iran enforces a toll system on Strait of Hormuz shipping, charging some vessels in yuan, while the U.S. military has struck over 10,000 targets, escalating regional tensions.
- On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Iran formalized control over the Strait of Hormuz with fees and "geopolitical vetting," while the U.S. positioned the USS Tripoli strike group with 2,500 Marines and at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne nearby.
- Brent crude prices rose more than 40% since the war began, reaching $104 on Thursday, as the Strait of Hormuz handles 20% of traded oil and natural gas, amplifying global economic concerns.
- U.S. Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper reported forces hit more than 10,000 targets since February 28, destroying 92% of Iran's largest ships, while Israeli airstrikes targeted infrastructure near Isfahan.
- Pakistan's top diplomat Ishaq Dar confirmed indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing, yet Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied negotiations, stating "but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation."
- President Donald Trump warned Tehran to "get serious soon" on negotiations, stating "there is NO TURNING BACK" should the opportunity pass, while the U.S. maintains a 15-point ceasefire proposal.
168 Articles
168 Articles
Thanks to Donald Trump solving a problem that didn’t exist, Iran’s now raking in millions at Hormuz
Iran has been forcing oil tankers to pay millions of dollars to pass through a new, narrower route in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, Iran’s parliament is working to make these fees official and permanent. Shipping industry experts are already calling it “the Tehran toll booth.” Before the U.S. and Israel launched their bombing campaign on February 28, around 110 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day. That number has since dropped to fe…
One month into the war, Iran is flexing its muscles in Hormuz
Dozens of countries around the world are drawing up plans to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has slowed to a trickle since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran. Iran's attacks in the Gulf have effectively shut down the vital chokepoint, which before the war carried a fifth of the world's oil and gas and key commodities such as fertilizers. Who's in control? Although the strait is designated as international waters, I…
Iran and US harden positions on Hormuz
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, hardening their positions over ceasefire talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war as thousands more U.S. troops neared…
Iran and US harden positions as Tehran keeps its grip on Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s grip on the strait has sent oil prices skyrocketing and concerns of a global energy crisis surging.
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