Will Iran try to block oil tankers?

Experts are wondering whether Tehran will try to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 8 January 2020 [The Conversation]( [Support The Conversation in 2020 with a monthly gift]( [Nick Lehr] A note from... Emily Schwartz Greco Philanthropy + Nonprofits Editor With U.S.-Iran tensions high after Iran’s retaliatory attack yesterday, experts are wondering whether Tehran will try to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel through which all shipping traffic from energy-rich Gulf countries passes. Rockford Weitz, a maritime studies scholar at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, explains the strait’s importance and offers [reasons not to bet on an escalation]( that significantly interferes with the region’s oil trade. “In the past both the U.S. and Iran have pivoted back to diplomatic solutions when tensions have become too high,” he writes. In his view, this history suggests “that neither side wants to see the conflict escalate from hybrid warfare into a full-blown war.” Also today: - [Free community college]( - [A make-believe theologian]( - [The migration of (real) coyotes]( Top story Iranian soldiers take part in National Persian Gulf Day in the Strait of Hormuz. Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images [Could Iran-US tensions mean troubled waters ahead in the Strait of Hormuz?]( Rockford Weitz, Tufts University Any disruption to shipping in the narrow seaway could impact oil prices and ratchet up geopolitical tensions. 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A noted expert sorts it out. Today’s chart - [Enable images to see the chart]( From the article: [In Iran showdown, conflict could explode quickly – and disastrously]( [Bear F. Braumoeller] Bear F. Braumoeller The Ohio State University [We need your help today to bring fact-based journalism to the public]( [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111