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Dueling blockades hold global economy hostage

   Front BurnerCBC News | Posted: April 16, 2026 10:00 AM | Last
   Updated: April 16

   Image | IRAN-CRISIS/

   Caption: A U.S. Navy sailor looks out as Nimitz-class aircraft
   carrier USS Abraham Lincoln conducts a replenishment-at-sea
   with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser during the
   Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran at an undisclosed location,
   March 18, 2026. U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS
   BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY (U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS)
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   The energy crisis spurred by Iran’s closure of the Strait of
   Hormuz is wreaking economic havoc on much of the world;
   especially in Asia and Europe, where shortages have already
   forced people to ration fuel, travel less for work, and pay
   more for food.
   And it could all get even worse, because this week, after
   ceasefire talks fell apart, the Trump administration imposed a
   blockade of its own. Now, as both countries play a high stakes
   game of chicken on the Strait, many questions remain. What
   ships can and can’t be allowed through? Will the blockade
   actually pressure Iran to capitulate? How much worse could this
   crisis get? We’re joined by Ian Ralby, a leading expert in
   international maritime law and security.
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