Hormuz
Saudi Arabia considers introducing cheaper insurance to increase shipping in Middle East - report
Saudi Arabia, like many countries in the region, has had its economy severely impacted by the war. The Saudi Finance Ministry is considering offering a cheaper insurance option to revive shipping.
Strategy or physical withdrawal: What does Washington’s shift from airstrikes to sanctions signify?
Iran economic sanctions leading to extremist regime elements gaining power, dissident says - report
Several oil companies to avoid using ships on Iran's blacklist over security concerns, sources say
US op. in Iran would expand beyond escorting vessels in Strait of Hormuz, Trump says
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is on "life support," Trump said on Monday.
Tanker struck by drone off coast of Doha after Qatari ship breaks Hormuz blockade
Iranian lawmakers have said they are drafting a bill to formalize Iran's management of the Strait of Hormuz, with clauses including forbidding passage to vessels of "hostile states."
US targets Iraq oil official and militias with sanctions for aiding Iran
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iraq's deputy oil minister and militias over support for Iran, the Treasury Department said.
NATO's Rutte: Europeans are ensuring agreements with US on military bases are implemented
Rutte also said "more and more" European nations were pre-positioning assets such as minehunters and minesweepers close to the Gulf to be ready for a "next phase".
US seeks new int'l coalition to get ships moving again in Hormuz, internal cable says
US embassies should deliver the demarche orally to partner nations by May 1, but not to Russia, China, Belarus, Cuba, and "other US adversaries," said the cable.
CENTCOM prepares 'short and powerful' wave of strikes on Iran, Trump to be briefed on plan - Axios
Another plan expected to be shared with Trump focuses on taking over part of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping, the report added, noting that such an operation may involve ground forces.
Iran uses improvised oil storage to avoid damage to oil facilities amid blockade - report
This situation stems from the fact that the Iranian extraction and refining systems can't be shut down, with Kharg Island's infrastructure at risk of failure if the oil flow is cut.
Russian superyacht crosses Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic remains muted
The US Central Command has redirected 37 vessels since a blockade was imposed on Iran on April 13, the military said on April 25.
Trump turns time into a weapon as Iran war shifts to economic pressure phase
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: By extending the truce while tightening the blockade, the US shifts from military force to economic attrition in a bid to shape Iran’s choices.
US planning renewed military action against Iranian infrastructure should talks fail - CNN
The option to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, as Trump had previously threatened, remains on the table as a way to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a deal.
