Trump: If oil transport is blocked, it will face a "20-fold strike"
The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
Before the war broke out, an average of 138 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day. The narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz is about 34 kilometers, located between Iran and Oman, and it handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil transportation per day, as well as about one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas transportation. Therefore, it often becomes a strategically valuable target when regional conflicts break out.
Now the strait is effectively blockaded, causing oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, experts say, which is exactly what Tehran aims for.
Ali Vaez, director of the Iran program at the International Crisis Group, told AFP that by "raising insurance costs and global energy prices," Iran can put pressure on the United States and its Gulf oil allies.
French President Macron said on Monday that France and its allies are preparing a "purely defensive" escort mission to protect ships and reopen the strait.
Iran stated that the waterway has not been officially closed. However, Ali Larijani, Iran's head of security affairs, warned again on Monday that the strait would not be safe as long as the war continues.
Trump: "It's my honor to keep the Strait of Hormuz open"
U.S. President Trump told reporters in Florida on Monday that he hopes to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and called it "a privilege." Trump said, "We are actually helping China and other countries because much of their energy must go through this strait."
He said, "We have a very good relationship with China. It's a privilege for me to do so."
Trump is expected to visit China later this month. When talking about the new energy cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuela, Trump said, "Our actions are for other parts of the world, including countries like China. Much of their oil is transported through this strait."
He added, "Our relationship with China is very good. I'm going to China soon. We are protecting the world from lunatics, and we're doing it very successfully."
Warning Iran: If oil transport is blocked, it will face a "20-fold strike"
Trump also said that the U.S. will lift all oil-related sanctions on some countries to lower energy prices during the Middle East conflict.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran then issued a statement on Iranian state television, vowing "not to allow a single liter of oil" to be transported from there.
Source: DW
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859301334407180/
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