Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and threatened to set fire to any ships that try to pass through as the widening war in Iran grinds tanker traffic through the crucial waterway to a halt. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes.

Amid the war in the Middle East, Iran has been targeting key energy infrastructure across the region. Tehran is also threatening energy exporters, warning that tankers entering the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow,

Oil prices jumped Monday as the widening war in Iran disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting how important the passageway is to the world's oil supply.

Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is facing disruption and confusion after a major US and Israeli attack on Iran and retaliatory action. US President Donald Trump launched what he called major combat operations against Iran after weeks of military buildup and posturing.