Iran War Live Updates: U.S. Begins New Strikes on Iran as Trump Orders Resumption of Shipping Blockade

President Trump had earlier threatened “very hard” strikes, ordered the resumption of a blockade on Iranian ports to begin Tuesday and said the U.S. would charge a 20 percent fee on goods passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump has ordered the resumption of a blockade on Iranian ports, which is set to begin on Tuesday. The US military's Central Command announced that US forces have begun launching strikes against Iran for the third consecutive night. The blockade will include a 20 percent fee on goods passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route. This move is part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Iran, with President Trump threatening "very hard" strikes.

The shipping blockade and resulting increased costs of goods passing through the Strait of Hormuz will likely lead to higher gas prices. As a significant portion of global oil trade passes through this route, the 20 percent fee will increase the cost of oil, which will then be passed on to consumers. This could result in higher prices at the pump, affecting households and businesses that rely on fuel for transportation. The increased cost of oil could also impact industries such as trucking and aviation.

The current tensions between the US and Iran are part of a long-standing pattern of conflict between the two nations. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran in the past, which have had significant economic impacts on the country. Insiders know that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, with approximately 20 percent of the world's oil passing through it. The US has historically sought to maintain control over this route to ensure the free flow of oil and to protect its interests in the region.

The US will likely continue to increase pressure on Iran in the coming days and weeks, with further strikes and economic sanctions possible. The Iranian government is set to meet with European leaders on July 20 to discuss the current situation and potential paths forward. A surprising fact is that China, which is a major importer of Iranian oil, has been quietly increasing its imports of US oil, potentially reducing its reliance on Iranian supplies and altering the geopolitical dynamics of the region.