Strait of Hormuz Blockade Escalates, Global Energy at Risk

0:00It's April 18th. This is Canada News Today, powered by AI. Tensions in the strait of Hormuz spiked again this weekend when Iran slammed the door shut on the vital shipping lane just a day after saying it was open. They fired on a tanker and a container ship trying to pass through, hitting back at the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports that's been squeezing their economy. This strait handles about one-fifth of the world's oil, so any snag here hits global energy hard. The move came as the war. Now in its eighth week since starting February 28th over Iran's nuclear program, near a shaky cease-fire deadline. On Wednesday, Iran put the strait under full military control, demanding fees and certificates for any traffic until the U.S. lifts its blockade. Oil prices did Friday on hopes of reopening, but Trump's insistence on keeping pressure on reverse that quick. World leaders are fired up, with India summoning Iran's ambassador over shots on their flag ships, and Iran's new supreme leader, Vowing Naval, defeats for enemies.

1:03The U.S. has turned back 23 ships since Monday, while Iran's council calls the blockade a cease-fire breaker, risking the whole peace push. Pakistan's stepping in heavy, hosting new talks next week after passing U.S. proposals to Iran. Though Tehan says no to handing over enriched uranium, stocks. Trump claims good talks are underway, but won't budge on demands. Meanwhile, a French peacekeeper died in a Hezbollah link to attack in Lebanon, testing the new truth there between Israel and militants. With over 3,000 dead in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon and 13 U.S. troops lost, all eyes stay on these. Mediators to avoid a bigger blow up before that cease-fire clock runs out.