US officials are furiously trying to avert a potential monthslong closure of the Strait of Hormuz, privately acknowledging that reopening the key waterway is a problem without a clear solution and dependent at least in part on what lengths President Donald Trump is willing to go to force the Iranian regime’s hand,

But at just 35 miles wide, it did. It’s just the latest evidence of how dependent the global economy is on a handful of choke points.

The U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran has thrust the Strait of Hormuz into the crosshairs of yet another geopolitical conflict.

Iran has scared off most ships from the Strait of Hormuz, leaving some ships to pass through, while most continued to wait outside the strait.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and others have signaled their commitment to join U.S.-led efforts in securing the Strait of Hormuz following pressure from the Trump administration.

WASHINGTON—President Trump said that China and Japan along with NATO allies should help with efforts to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian threats have effectively closed to commerce. “It would be nice if the countries,

The United Kingdom will allow the U.S. to use British military bases to carry out strikes against Iranian missile sites being used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.K. government

The officer asked for anonymity, as the crew of his vessel, one of two Indian ships that made the crossing, were not permitted to talk to the media.