The American Times News | Economy, Geopolitics, Calculators

   The Strait of Hormuz crisis entered a more dangerous phase on August 25 as the United States widened its economic campaign against Iran, China warned Washington against interfering with its Iran ties, and another oil tanker was disabled by a projectile near the waterway. The developments came as Pakistan pursued mediation with Tehran and shipping through the strategic chokepoint remained dramatically below normal levels. There is an important clarification to the headline: the tanker did not “strike back.” Rather, an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said the vessel was disabled after the projectile hit its engine, while all crew members were reported safe. No immediate environmental damage was reported, and no party had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting. The incident nevertheless matters because it shows how financial pressure and maritime risk...