US-Middle East relations

Only five commodity vessels transited the Hormuz straits on Aug 25

Warnings put an immediate focus on China, which buys the bulk of Iran’s oil

Washington wants to cripple Teheran’s economy, but it could have unintended consequences

Netanyahu was clear in Kushner meeting that Israeli troops would not withdraw

Several involve China. A land blockade is also an option, one that would require help from seven neighbouring countries

Kushner also expected to travel to Israel to meet with Netanyahu to discuss Gaza situation

Before the war, the strait was freely open to all ships with no fees

Trump’s bluster has done little if anything to force Iran to give ground

Teheran believes Trump will yield under pressure, sources say