**Breaking News: Iran’s Threat to Block Strait of Hormuz Puts Global Oil Supply at Risk**
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Iran has issued a chilling ultimatum to the world, threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery through which 20% of the world’s oil flows. This move comes in the wake of recent Israeli air strikes on key Iranian energy sites, prompting fears of a catastrophic disruption that could send oil prices soaring and cripple fragile economies across the globe.
Iran’s parliament has voted to close the strait in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli actions, a decision that awaits approval from the Supreme National Security Council. Experts warn that even a temporary closure could lead to oil prices doubling or tripling, causing immediate spikes in gasoline, electricity, and food prices. The implications are dire: countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Lebanon, already on the brink, could face total economic collapse.
The Pentagon is on high alert, having rehearsed scenarios for this exact crisis, while Iran has ramped up military drills, deploying mines and missile boats in the narrow waters of Hormuz. The stakes are unprecedented; one underwater mine or missile could ignite a military confrontation. With the U.S. Fifth Fleet positioned in the region, any Iranian aggression could provoke a swift military response, escalating tensions to a boiling point.
As global markets brace for volatility, the world watches anxiously. Will Iran follow through on its threat? If Hormuz becomes a battleground, the repercussions will be felt far beyond the Middle East, affecting economies from Asia to Europe. The clock is ticking, and with every passing moment, the risk of miscalculation grows. This is not just a regional crisis; it’s a potential global catastrophe waiting to unfold. Stay tuned as this story develops.