Iran-US Standoff: Strait of Hormuz Blockade Escalates

0:00It's March 22, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Global News Today, your AI-powered world briefing. Tensions are boiling over in the Middle East, as Iran keeps the strait of Hormuz closed to shipping, a move that's disrupted global oil flow since. Late February, President Donald Trump has given Iran just 48 hours to fully reopen the vital waterway without threats, warning that the United States will, target and destroy their power plants, starting with the largest one if they don't comply by 2344 Greenwich mean time, on March 23. Earlier this week, Iran launched missiles at the Joint United Kingdom and United States Base on the Eagle Garcia late Thursday night into Friday morning. The United Kingdom has now greenlit American use of its air bases to protect ships in the strait as defensive measures against these attacks. Iranians are voicing deep fears about this placement amid the chaos, with many saying losing their homes feels worse than the fighting itself, while others express hope for

1:01an end to the current leadership. The blockade has already seen at least 21 vessels hit or targeted, pushing crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, up nearly 70% this year alone. More than 100 people were also injured in recent strikes on southern Israeli towns near a nuclear site. Iran has vowed to hit American-linked energy facilities across the Gulf if its power plants come under fire. Israel faced a tough night with attacks on itself, prompting vows to keep striking back, while its forces hit Tehran overnight following an assault. On Iran's Nathans nuclear site, the United Arab Emirates responded to fresh Iranian missiles and drones, and Qatar is hunting for a down helicopter off its coast. As these warnings fly and strikes continue, the world watches closely for Iran's next move and this high-stake standoff over the strait.