Iran Allows China Oil Tankers, Strait Remains Open

0:00On March 15th, Iran is planning to let oil tankers link to China pass through the Strait of Hormuz, even as it threatens to blockade the key. Waterway against its enemies. The strait handles about a fifth of the world's oil daily, with around 140 ships passing through on average. Officials say the passage stays open for non-hostile vessels, potentially sparing China from supply disruptions. This comes days after Iran's revolutionary guard warned of attacks on ships, calling the area a death valley. Yet the foreign minister insisted the strait remains open, and two Indian tankers carrying gas slipped through yesterday without issue. Some ships are already tweaking their signals to claim Chinese ties, and passes might hinge on proven cargo trades in Chinese Yuan instead of dollars. President Trump urged Britain, France, Japan, South Korea, and others to send warships for escorts, while U.S. forces target Iranian sites nearby. Oil prices have spiked to their highest since July 2022, hitting global buyers hard, especially

1:01in Asia, where 70-75. Percent of Gulf crude heads, to places like China and India. UK leaders are now eyeing options like mine-hunting drones to help reopen the strait, with Environment Secretary Ed Miliband calling it a worldwide, priority. Britain gets 12 percent of its oil and gas from there, and higher prices are squeezing Europe too. South Korea and Japan express caution about joining naval efforts. Iran fired back, threatening to destroy U.S.-linked energy sites if attacked, as military ties with China and Russia grow. With 16 ships hit since late February, the standoff keeps energy markets on edge.