As the crisis drags on, many Asian countries are pledging deeper energy cooperation with diplomatic friends.

The deal comes after China cleared Argentine corn imports in 2024, and as the South American nation has recently kicked off a bumper harvest.

Only one Turkish-owned ship has received permission to pass through Hormuz since the start of the conflict.

Countries short of oil as a result of the Hormuz closure should either buy from the U.S. or “go to the Strait and TAKE IT,” Trump said.

While Trump has said it would be “an easy Military Operation,” European defense officials have warned it would be an incredibly complex and dangerous task. 

The United Nations warned last month that the U.S. campaign is having an “increasingly severe impact” on hospitals, public sanitation, water delivery and food distribution.

The White House argued that the moves will help reduce input costs for growers and wholesalers and bring down grocery costs for American consumers.

Iran clarified this week that ships from “hostile” nations are barred from navigating the strait, but overall maritime traffic remains all but halted, tracking shows. 

A toll and promises of safe passage raise complicated questions for the shipping industry, eager to rescue crews and cargoes stuck in the Persian Gulf.

The process points to Iran’s increasing efforts to assert control over the vital maritime channel.