The president’s public threat to commit genocide sent shockwaves through the United States. The country’s senior leadership announced the end of all direct diplomatic communications with the United States. Iran has now agreed to permit safe passage through the strait for two weeks but will likely keep collecting tolls. Iran still controls the strait, remains defiant, and retains has the military muscle to spark a worldwide recession. Iran said on Wednesday that Israel must end its Lebanon war before the strait can be fully reopened.

Source: The Guardian April 09, 2026 05:18 UTC