The Strait of Hormuz remains closed today as US-Iran talks begin in Switzerland. Iran is blocking the strait in response to what it says are continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon, defying an existing ceasefire. The closure has forced thousands of sailors to shelter in place aboard vessels in the middle of an active conflict zone. According to Phil Belcher of the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, sailors face ongoing drone threats and must ration food supplies. Beyond the human cost, the blockade threatens global shipping and oil supplies, with widespread economic consequences.

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