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Trump Says Hormuz Open; Iran Vows Bab al-Mandeb Closure

7/17/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all ships except Iranian vessels, despite the renewed U.S. blockade cutting crude flows to 5.5 million barrels per day, down from 9.4 million.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned global oil security is at risk as ship traffic stays far below pre-war levels.
Iran warned it may work with the Houthis to close the Bab al-Mandeb waterway if U.S. strikes continue.

History

Historical Context

On 17 October 1973 OAPEC ordered an oil embargo against the United States to punish its support for Israel, cutting Arab shipments and raising crude prices sharply. The crisis showed how closing a supply chokepoint can spike global prices, a lesson echoed today as the United States limits Iranian oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz to about 5.5 million barrels per day.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all ships except Iranian vessels, despite the renewed U.S. blockade cutting crude flows to 5.5 million barrels per day, down from 9.4 million.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned global oil security is at risk as ship traffic stays far below pre-war levels.
Iran warned it may work with the Houthis to close the Bab al-Mandeb waterway if U.S. strikes continue.

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