Middle East live: US launches strikes on Iran after ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz The latest escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran has sent shockwaves through the global economy.
The attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by US strikes on Iranian air defenses, are just the latest manifestation of how regional politics is increasingly influencing international shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical waterways, through which over 20% of global oil supplies pass.