The Strait of Hormuz is back open — but the crisis is far from over. Iran has announced that the world’s most critical oil chokepoint is now open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire. The move sent oil prices plunging over 11&#37, easing fears of a historic global energy shock. But there’s a catch. Ships must follow strict Iranian-controlled routes, and President Donald Trump has made it clear: the U.S. naval blockade on Iran is still in place.

The United States has launched a sweeping pressure campaign against Iran, combining a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz with a new financial crackdown called “Economic Fury.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the US is “locked and loaded,” warning that failure to reach a deal could trigger strikes on Iran’s energy and power infrastructure. As ships turn back and sanctions tighten, Washington is escalating both military and economic pressure in what analysts call a full-spectrum strategy. At the same time, Hegseth sparked controversy by attacking media coverage, using a biblical analogy to accuse reporters of bias.