The Pour Over Today - Explaining the Strait of Hormuz

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hey there, it's Joe. Happy Saturday. The headlines have been talking a lot about a stalled Iran peace deal and the Strait of Hermuz. And the TPO fam has been asking for a little bit more context on the straight and why a small waterway is standing between the U.S. and Middle Eastern Peace. Come along, folks. Let's take a shallow dive. But first, here's your quote of the day. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us, J.R.R. Tolkien. Let's start at the top. What is the Strait of Hermuz? We thought you'd never ask. A straight is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water, typically used for shipping and navigation. The Strait of Hermuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It's only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point, bordered on the north by Iran and on the south by the UAE and Oman.

Starting point is 00:01:07 Now the real question, why does the U.S. care so much about it? Before the Iran-U.S. conflict, over 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through that strait. That's roughly $600 billion in energy trade every year, and anywhere from 80 to 130 ships trafficked the strait daily. So, it's not dramatic to say Hormuz is the most important maritime choke point. Think a passageway with no good alternative route in the world. Controlling that strait is leverage worth its weight in crude oil. Iran knows that, and a key part of their military strategy has been to choke off traffic in the strait.

Starting point is 00:01:53 Those upticking gas prices? It's because oil trade through that strait has decreased to a trick-or-lawful. supply goes down, demand and prices go up. Maybe you're thinking, why is Iran taking control now? This isn't their first rodeo with the strait. They've claimed authority over it since 1979 and have been threatening to shut it down for just as long, but never fully made good on that promise until March.

Starting point is 00:02:22 So what's the current state of the strait? Almost entirely shut down. A ceasefire brokered in April briefly reopened that strait, but negotiations keep getting hung up because the U.S. and Iran can't agree on particulars of Iran's nuclear program or the straits' future. The U.S. says it needs to be unrestricted and Iran wants to toll booth privileges. Until a deal is reached, the strait will likely continue to operate at a fraction of its normal traffic. Hey, this is Ellie.

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Starting point is 00:03:42 That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com slash T-PO for free shipping in 365-day returns. Quince.com slash TPO. Here's a verse to consider whether you're conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a tense conflict at work, settling playground squabbles, or just trying to get your cat into his carrier. Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

Starting point is 00:04:25 and his ears are open to their cry for help. Psalm 34, verses 14 and 15. Before we go today, let's pray a prayer for when gas prices rise. O Lord, our restorer, we cling to you as chaos ripples across the globe. This conflict has brought destruction to everything it touches, lands, people, governments, industries, economies, and now it is coming close to home, shaking my own family and future. Quiet the hostilities wreaking havoc around the world. Heal those who are displaced and endangered.

Starting point is 00:05:04 Comfort those who are mourning with the eternal hope of Jesus. Open doors for bold ministry in the Middle East so the saints might spread the peace of your kingdom. Open world leaders' lines of communication and open blocked lines of fuel transportation. As oil demands are steady and supply is scarce, provide for us and for our neighbors. In the waiting when we lack and in the abundance when you do provide, make us a people of contentment and gratitude for your generous grace to us in Christ, in whom we pray. Amen. Want to bring more hard headlines to God in prayer? Join us in our Saturday afternoon newsletter, praying the news.

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The Pour Over Today - Explaining the Strait of Hormuz

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