Iran Threatens to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed Unless US Meets Demands

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran since February 28th, and it will remain shut until the US agrees to a list of six demands. According to a statement from Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the US must end its war against Iran and its allies, lift the naval blockade, withdraw all military troops, pay damages caused by the war, lift sanctions, release 'blocked and stolen assets' of the Iranian people, and avoid threatening the regime in the future. The Strait is a crucial waterway that carries one-fifth of the world's oil.

The US has insisted on free passage through the strait, with President Donald Trump warning that gasoline prices could rise again if military activity in the Middle East increases. As of August 8th, the average price for a regular gallon of gas was $4.02, up from $2.98 on February 28th.