Iran Threatens to Close Gulf Trade Routes Over US Blockade

Iran's top military commander has threatened to shut down all trade in the Gulf region. He said this would happen if the United States does not end its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The warning was issued on Wednesday by the leader of Iran's joint military command. However, in a separate interview also aired Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave a different assessment. He stated that the war with Iran was "very close to over." The situation creates major risks for global shipping. The Gulf is a critical route for international oil and trade. A closure could disrupt the world economy. The U.S. blockade and Iran's counter-threat mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.