Hormuz
Iran is consolidating control of Hormuz with checkpoints, diplomatic deals, and fees
With Iran now in de facto control of the strait, the system can involve government-to-government arrangements, intense vetting by the Iranian government, and sometimes fees in exchange for passage.
Iran to unveil new mechanism to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic
Iraq sought financial assistance from International Monetary Fund as result of Iran war
US op. in Iran would expand beyond escorting vessels in Strait of Hormuz, Trump says
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.
Strait of Hormuz crisis: Iran threatens to open Pandora's Box through chaos - analysis
The Hormuz closure has become the proverbial Pandora’s Box, and many issues have emerged from this crisis that were neither expected nor part of previous discussions about a deal.
