Iran Reinvents Blockade: Now Closing Strait of Hormuz Like a Drunk Doorbell

KEY POINTS

•Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed again on Saturday after criticizing U.S. blockade efforts.
•At least three commercial tankers, including two Indian ships with 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, came under fire in the Strait.
•President Trump said he expected a new deal with Iran shortly, but ongoing attacks cast doubt on talks this weekend.

On Saturday, Iran decided turning the Strait of Hormuz into an exclusive 'No Ship Club' was in vogue again, yelling at the U.S. for 'banditry and maritime piracy'—because nothing fuels diplomacy like mutual pirate accusations. The Iranian military promises tight control over the Strait until the U.S guarantees 'complete freedom of navigation'—the diplomatic equivalent of 'my way or the highway,' but with 23 ships reportedly U-turning thanks to U.S. Central Command's gracious instructions. Meanwhile, Iran's finger was itchy on the trigger, reportedly firing on at least 3 commercial tankers, including two Indian vessels hauling 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil—a subtle warning to keep your oil and your approval ratings separate. All this while President Trump confidently expected a deal 'in a day or two,' apparently unaware the Strait wasn't taking his calls. White House silence? As radio-silent as the ships after getting shot at.