Grade 4 of 5: Critical Rights and Rule-of-Law Concern
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Global Energy and Food Security Catastrophe
The Iran war triggered closure of the world's most critical energy chokepoint, causing the largest supply disruption since the 1970s. Iran closed and mined the strait. Despite a nominal ceasefire, the US and Iran exchanged fire in the strait on May 7, 2026: after Iranian attacks on three US destroyers, the US struck what CENTCOM called military sites at Qeshm and Bandar Abbas, while Iran said civilian areas were hit (unverified); a cargo vessel was hit, killing one sailor. Copernicus satellite imagery showed a large oil slick (71 sq km) near Kharg Island; its source is disputed and it has not been attributed to US strikes. Iran declared the ceasefire violated; the strait remains effectively closed.