No. of Recommendations: 10
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/07/middleeast/iran-hor...While shipping has always passed unimpeded through the Straits of Hormuz, since the US/Israeli attacks on Iran, the country has used its commanding position on the Straits to only allow ships through who have paid them a "toll". In the meantime, the US has said that any ship which has paid a toll to Iran can be boarded and sanctioned. Ships and their cargos are very valuable and their insurance companies have basically said that they won't cover any losses if the ships and/or cargo are damaged or confiscated. The US tried to set up an arraignment to escort ships, but got few who would agree unless the US would cover any losses - so President Trump withdrew the offer.
Right now, it seems like it's a breath-holding contest between Iran who is being economically damaged by the US blockade and the US which, while self-sufficient in fuel, is subject to global pricing and whose population is getting tired of paying nearly $5 a gallon for gas because of a war started or reasons few understand, while trying to get Iran to sign a less restrictive agreement than the one President Trump abrogated during his first presidency.
Jeff
No. of Recommendations: 1
...while self-sufficient in fuel, is subject to global pricing and whose population is getting tired of paying nearly $5 a gallon for gas because of a war started or reasons few understand, while trying to get Iran to sign a less restrictive agreement than the one President Trump abrogated during his first presidency.
Over $6 here in Seattle. As far as I can tell, the main purpose of the war is to humiliate Marco Rubio. I can't imagine a sadder or weaker US Sec. of State.
No. of Recommendations: 2
...population is getting tired of paying nearly $5 a gallon for gas
A former coworker was barking on her FB page today. She drives the larger Bronco, as she pulls a camping trailer. It cost her $100 to gas up, here in metro Detroit, today. A reply to that post said the pump cut off at $175, and his F-150 was still 8 gallons short of a full tank. He posted a pic of the pump, which showed 28 gallons, when the pump stopped, so he must have the extra big tank in his.
The Beeb has been reporting on gas shortages in the Philippines for several weeks, and spot shortages in Australia. A couple different analyst reports I have read have noted that, as the last oil to leave the Gulf is unloading in US west coast ports now, and the US is drawing down the SPR, it will get real for the US in another couple months.
My VW manages 32-33, in warm summer driving. Not as nice as my 98 Civic, that topped 40, but better off than the people who figured they NEEDED an Explorer to trundle to the grocery store.
Not surprisingly, I have a theory [censored}
Steve
