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What if the U.S. stopped protecting the Strait of Hormuz?

Jun 24, 2019
It wouldn't change much at the pump — at least here at home.
An oil tanker is protected by the U.S. guided missile frigate USS Gallery in the Strait of Hormuz in 1988. In a tweet Monday, President Donald Trump questioned the United States' decadeslong protection of the strait.
NORBERT SCHILLER/AFP/Getty Images

Tensions in Middle East affecting oil prices

Feb 15, 2012
Oil prices are on the rise today, in part because of news out of Syria. But there are also bigger picture problems to worry about.

Europe's oil standoff

Jan 23, 2012
As part of the effort to prevent Tehran from developing its nuclear weapons program, the EU unites on imposing sanctions against Iran.

Iranian oil: To ban or not to ban?

Jan 5, 2012
The European Union has threatened to embargo oil from Iran. Iran snapped back, saying if that happens, it won't let any oil ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz. How might this affect Europe and the U.S.?

Blocking Strait of Hormuz would affect gas prices immediately

Dec 28, 2011
Iran has threatened to block the strait if President Obama signs a bill to impose sanctions to keep it from making nuclear weapons. The impact on oil prices worldwide would be major and immediate.