Strait of Hormuz Remains Blocked

The continued closure of the world's most vital oil chokepoint is causing a global energy crisis, with North Sea oil prices hitting record highs.

President Trump has issued an ultimatum to NATO allies to assist in reopening the strait, while Iran demands 'blood money' and an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon as conditions for access.

Shippers are currently weighing unusual and costly alternate routes as insurance premiums for the region remain prohibitively high.

Military analysts warn that the presence of sophisticated Iranian drone teams in the area makes any forced reopening extremely high-risk.