Hormuz traffic hit lowest levels since May as shipping avoids the critical chokepoint amid threats of major US military operations and Iranian retaliation. Trump threatened to seize Iranian frozen assets to pay shipping damages and warned of strikes on infrastructure; Iran rejected latest diplomatic proposal and broadened retaliation rhetoric.
Hormuz traffic plummets as US-Iran escalation threatens global energy markets
Iranian officials reported approximately 40,000 deaths during January protests; ongoing military escalation risks broader regional conflict with potential civilian casualties.