President Donald Trump escalated U.S. involvement in the Middle East crisis, announcing Navy escorts for trapped commercial ships from non-combatant nations navigating the Iranian-blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Speaking from the White House, Trump framed the move as 'humanitarian muscle' to counter Tehran's port shutdowns amid their proxy war with Israel. Dozens of tankers idle, threatening oil shocks worldwide.
Iran's foreign ministry fired back, vowing resistance to any 'Yankee intrusion,' while claiming the strait—chokepoint for 20% of global oil—faces permanent disruption from wartime debris. U.S. carriers reposition in the Gulf, ready for convoys starting dawn patrols. Allies like New Zealand's PM Luxon voice trade disruption fears from Singapore summits.
Energy markets convulsed overnight, with Brent crude spiking 8% on blockade fears. Trump's team dodges timelines for gas price relief at home, as Midwest pumps hit $5 per gallon. Analysts warn of rationing if Hormuz stays clogged.
Diplomats scramble for backchannels, but hawks in D.C. push full naval dominance. The high-stakes gambit risks direct clash, as superpowers jostle in the world's most flammable waterway.
