Strait of Hormuz Closure: Global Energy Crisis Deepens Amid US-Iran Tensions

• The Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted since February 28, with 16 vessels damaged, leading to a major global energy crisis.
• US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the strait, threatening to 'obliterate' power facilities; Iran countered by threatening complete closure if its power plants are attacked.
• The US has deployed A-10 Warthog attack planes and AH-64 Apache helicopters for a 'hunt and kill' mission against Iranian vessels disrupting oil and LNG shipments.
• Disruptions have caused Brent crude to surge past $100 and European gas prices to nearly double, leading to unprecedented strategic reserve releases and increased global inflation.
• A month-long closure would trigger a severe global energy shock, with oil and gas prices spiking, trade routes disrupted, and significant geopolitical fallout, impacting major importers like India, China, and Japan.