Approximately five weeks after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp rise in oil prices and increasing political pressure within the United States for Trump to end the conflict he initiated. Trump’s statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz have been inconsistent—alternating between issuing ultimatums to Iran, urging allied nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to "mustering courage" to seize the strait, claiming the conflict could be ended even if the strait remains closed, and now once again issuing a new 48-hour ultimatum. In other parts of the Middle East, new attacks have been reported in Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Rubio has revoked green cards and visas for two relatives of Qasem Soleimani as well as two other individuals linked to the Iranian regime. With most of the Strait of Hormuz closed, merchant ship crews stranded are increasingly facing shortages of fresh water and food.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861687470886922/
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