Washington, March 17 -- With oil markets rattled by the war, the US is weighing a naval operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which is both costly and risky.
The narrow waterway, just 21 miles wide at its tightest point, carries around 20% of global oil supplies. The traffic has slowed sharply since the US-Israel war on Iran began, with more than 12 attacks on tankers and cargo ships reported across the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea in just over two weeks.
With insurers withdrawing cover and crews reluctant to sail, many vessels have halted transit altogether, triggering a supply shock. Oil prices have risen by about 40 percent over the period, while some Gulf producers have cut output as shipments stall.
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