Day 409

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Global Energy and Food Security Catastrophe

The 2026 Iran war triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of global seaborne oil passes — causing the largest energy supply disruption since the 1970s. Oil prices surged past $120/barrel, 10+ million barrels/day of production was lost, food imports to Gulf states were disrupted by 70%, and over 220,000 Indian nationals were evacuated. The head of the IEA called it 'the greatest global energy security challenge in history.' Iran closed and mined the strait; the US is responsible for initiating the war (see the aggression entry), not for assisting Iran's closure. Despite a nominal ceasefire in effect since April 8, US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the strait on May 7, 2026 — with US strikes on what CENTCOM described as missile, drone and command sites at Qeshm and Bandar Abbas (Iran said civilian areas were hit; unverified), a cargo vessel struck and burning (1 killed, 10 injured, per an Iranian agency), and a 71-square-kilometer oil slick near Kharg Island seen in satellite imagery, whose source is disputed. The Strait remains effectively closed as of May 9.

USS Charlotte torpedoes IRIS Dena frigate

The USS Charlotte torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean; 104 of the 136 crew were reported killed, including about 20 missing, and 32 were rescued by Sri Lanka. Leading IHL analyses consider the attack on a warship lawful (see the IRIS Dena entry).

From: Trump Threats to Obliterate Iran's Civilian Power Infrastructure

CENTCOM confirms first combat use of the PrSM

Central Command says long-range Precision Strike Missiles were 'used in combat during Operation Epic Fury' for the first time (Breaking Defense). The statement does not mention Lamerd.

From: Lamerd Sports Hall Strike: US Airburst Missiles Hit a Sports Centre, School and Homes in Southern Iran, Killing At Least 21 (February 2026)

House Oversight Committee votes to subpoena Bondi

In a bipartisan 24-19 vote, with five Republicans joining Democrats, the House Oversight Committee votes to subpoena AG Bondi for testimony on the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files. The motion was introduced by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace.

From: Epstein Files: DOJ Withholds Evidence, UN Experts Warn of Crimes Against Humanity

Supreme Court rules on related asylum case

The Supreme Court issues a decision in Urias-Orellana v. Bondi addressing the standard of review for asylum persecution determinations, as part of the broader legal landscape surrounding asylum access.

From: Suspension of Asylum at the Southern Border