Iran-US: the stakes of disruption at Hormuz for Switzerland

Over a month of effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the vulnerability of global energy and humanitarian supply chains. Swissinfo assesses the consequences for Switzerland and the Swiss-based organisations that sustain global trade and aid flows, even as the situation shows tentative signs of easing. The disruptions are the consequence of a sharp escalation after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February. Tehran responded with retaliatory threats and attacks on vessels in the Gulf, raising risks to shipping and effectively halting traffic through the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran. The US and Israel are still at war with Iran. But US President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday he would suspend planned strikes on Iran for two weeks, stepping back hours before a self-imposed deadline after warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” The ceasefire is tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and progress in negotiations.