Pentagon Chief LAUDS 'Op Midnight Hammer' Success; 'Used Decoys To Misdirect,' Says Hegseth
TOI.in
/ Jun 22, 2025, 08:06PM IST
The Pentagon has provided new details on the U.S. operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the mission's execution, highlighting the use of decoys and coordinated air power. B-2 bombers launched from the U.S. and struck targets across Iran during an 18-hour mission. Officials described it as one of the most complex long-range strike operations in recent history. Watch.
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The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, it's one of the world's most strategic maritime arteries. According to 2023 estimates, over 17 million barrels of oil—around 20% of global daily demand—pass through the strait each day. Key exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and even Iran itself rely on it for crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. While alternate pipelines exist, they can only divert around 2.6 million barrels per day—barely a fraction of the daily flow through Hormuz. How would a closure affect the world? Global oil prices may skyrocket A complete or even partial blockade could send oil prices soaring past $120–150 per barrel, depending on the length of the disruption. Brent crude has already surged above $90 in anticipation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) not far behind. 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