Trump Threatens to Blockade World's Key Oil Passage

President Donald Trump says the United States will close the Strait of Hormuz. He made the claim after peace talks between the U.S. and Iran collapsed. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage. It is the most important global route for oil shipments. About one-fifth of the world's traded oil passes through it. Trump used the word "blockade." A blockade is a military action to stop all ships from entering or leaving an area. The announcement follows the failure of diplomatic talks. The U.S. and Iran were trying to reduce tensions. No details were given about why the discussions ended. There was no immediate information on how or when a blockade might happen. The U.S. military has not commented. Global oil prices often rise sharply during threats to shipping in the strait. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the waterway if its oil exports are stopped by international sanctions. The U.S. Navy currently patrols the area to keep it open.