Iran threatens to block ‘illegal’ routes through Strait of Hormuz The US says the strategic waterway is open and Tehran has “lost complete control” Iran has threatened to block what it calls “illegal” traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it retains full control of the passage despite US claims to the contrary. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, normally carrying around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Traffic through the strait has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February, driving up energy prices. Brent crude was trading at around $101 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with roughly $72 before the conflict. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) com... Read more>>>