U.S. seeks allies to reopen Hormuz

- With shipping through the Strait of Hormuz effectively halted amid U.S.–Iran tensions, Washington is seeking international help to reopen the waterway. - Oil spiked above $126 a barrel as the standoff escalated, and Iran warned of "long and painful strikes" if attacks resume. - The confrontation is now a live test of maritime coercion that can keep fuel and transport costs volatile. (reuters.com) (theguardian.com)