Original Source
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Demands Toll Amid US Tensions
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz and Seizes Vessels
Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency released video footage on May 7 (local time) showing the ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were attacked by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps on April 22 and subsequently escorted into Iranian territorial waters. This action came after US President Donald Trump threatened new airstrikes on Iran if an agreement to end the war, including reopening the crucial international waterway, was not reached. Iran stated it was considering the latest US proposal for ending the conflict.
Iran Establishes Toll Agency, US Forces Fire on Tanker
Shipping data firm Lloyd's List Intelligence announced on May 7 that Iran had established a new government agency to approve the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls. Iran has effectively blockaded the strait, a vital waterway for oil, gas, and other petroleum product shipments, while the US has blockaded Iranian ports. Hours after these developments, US forces fired upon an Iranian oil tanker attempting to break the US blockade on Iranian ports. These events raised hopes in international markets for an imminent end to the two-month-long conflict.
Trump's 'Threat Diplomacy'
President Trump posted on social media that the two-month conflict would soon end, potentially resuming oil and natural gas shipments that had been disrupted. However, he stated that this depended on Iran accepting the reported agreement, the details of which he did not disclose. Trump warned, "If they do not agree, the bombing will begin," maintaining strong pressure on Iran.
*Source: Yahoo!ニュース (2026-05-08)*
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