Ryan Bridge: The war in Iran isn't going anywhere

Told you when this whole thing kicked off that it wouldn't end tomorrow, and it hasn't.

This is the war between the US and Iran. It is still going on.

The biggest problem was always going to be the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Hormuz is not open.

Perspective with Andrew Dickens: High oil prices are back, baby

Oil prices. Oil prices are back, baby.

At the moment, West Texas crude is sitting near US$74 a barrel, while Brent crude is around US$79. Prices are up slightly, rebounding as tension continues between the United States and Iran.

Mike's Minute: Do we have any choice but to help out the US?

Well the war seems live now, doesn’t it.

The Americans officially want our help.

Which brings us back to the original question - if this encounter ends up ridding Iran of the ability to produce nuclear weaponry, has it been worth it?

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: It's a matter of time before we head to the Strait

I’m inclined to think that at some stage and in some way we will be helping the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It’s been revealed by American media that Trump has told US embassies around the world to pressure governments to help. Australia is considering assistance and so are we.

Steven Gaskell: Iran Faces Mounting Economic Pressure as Hormuz Blockade Ripples Globally.

As of late April 2026, the naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz is inflicting severe economic damage on Iran, with analysts estimating losses of between US$435 million and US$500 million per day. The disruption has effectively paralysed Iran’s most critical export sector and is now sending shockwaves through the global economy.

DTNZ: Trump thanks Iran for opening Strait of Hormuz as oil prices in freefall

The US president vowed, however, to continue to blockade Iranian ports.

Iran has announced that it will allow passage for “all commercial vessels” through the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the declaration of a 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, US President Donald Trump has vowed to maintain his blockade of Iranian ports.

Dave Patterson: Big Risks, Big Rewards for Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade

When the talks between the US and Iran failed, the Trump administration took direct action. The United States Navy will establish a traditional blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, preventing transit into or out of the waterway. Historically, blockades are seldom used, since they require a significant number of naval resources to be effective. When they are used successfully, however, they make a difference. “Throughout the history of warfare and into the present, blockading continues to prove itself one of the most effective ways of pressuring an enemy,” observed Army Major Joshua Howard in his monograph, From Napoleon to Netanyahu: Blockading Through Two Centuries.

American Blockade – A Rare But Effective Choice

DTNZ: Trump orders blockade of Strait of Hormuz after failed Iran talks

The US president has said that he instructed the Navy to “interdict every vessel that has paid a toll to Iran,” accusing Tehran of extortion.

US President Donald Trump has declared that the US Navy will immediately begin a “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement. He accused Tehran of extortion, referring to the fees charged to vessels seeking to traverse the strategically vital waterway.

Ani O'Brien: The Strait of Hormuz, Trump, and the end of Pretend Peace

The world held its breath today. The Leader of the “Free World” had threatened that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” and everyone seemed to take this very literally. And understandably so! This kind of rhetoric is not something we are used to from Western leaders. In the West we do diplomacy and handshakes and express disapproval. Well, we have in the years since the World Wars (with a few notable exceptions).

Dr Oliver Hartwich: Hormuz crisis may force government reform

When oil prices spiked after the Strait of Hormuz closed, New Zealand’s ministers lined up to reassure the public. Fuel stocks were “healthy.” There was “no need for panic.” The associate energy minister assured New Zealanders that supplies were not under threat “in coming months.”

What the ministers did not dwell on is that government agencies are now briefing them daily on supply disruptions extending well beyond petrol. A fifth of New Zealand’s fertiliser imports come from Saudi Arabia, shipped through the strait that is now closed. For a country whose economy runs on grass-fed agriculture, a fertiliser shock in autumn is no small matter.

Dave Patterson: Trump Wants Help Securing the Strait of Hormuz

Securing and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is a key objective of the war against Iran. It’s a big job that requires the suppression of Iranian anti-ship missiles and drones and the destruction of Iran’s capability to produce more such weapons. Though the United States is capable of doing the job, other countries, particularly those in Europe and NATO, have an interest in ensuring the strait remains secure. Consequently, President Donald Trump is asking for assistance in protecting ships transiting the Hormuz Strait. Initially, he received a cool reception.

DTNZ: India comments on Strait of Hormuz talks with Iran

There is no “blanket arrangement” between New Delhi and Tehran on the movement of ships, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has said.

The Liberia-flagged Suezmax tanker Shenlong, carrying crude oil, among the first ships to reach India amid the Middle East crises, is seen at Mumbai Port on March 12, after sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. © Photo by Imtiyaz Shaikh/Anadolu via Getty Images

Talks with Iran are the most “effective way” to restart the passage of ships through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has said.

Kerre Woodham: The entire fuel situation is a mess

How about that petrol, eh? I filled up on Thursday, as usual, that's my usual day. Just the car, no jerry cans, no oil drums, thanks very much, and I thought to myself, $2.95 - she's getting up there. Bargain now, looking at the pumps.

Our colleague Kylie, who has to travel north most weekends, reckons she paid an extra $80 above what she would normally pay for her weekend tikitouring.

DTNZ: Iraq warns of $300 per barrel oil

The escalating conflict in the Middle East could send the commodity skyrocketing – Foreign Minister.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East and a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could drive oil prices up to USD $300 per barrel, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.