Iran war briefing: Strait of Hormuz to shut if Trump executes threats

WorldPolitics
23 Mar 2026 • 4:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Iran's Revolutionary Guards have declared the Strait of Hormuz will be “completely closed” if Donald Trump destroys power plants.
  • Israel’s ambassador to the US says that his country will continue its war in Iran “until we bring this regime to its knees”.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Americans will not face tax increases to fund the Pentagon's reported $200 billion request for the ongoing war in Iran, claiming the government has sufficient funds.
  • In the UK, the government has played down claims that Tehran could target Britain following’s Israel’s warnings about Iran possessing long-range ballistic missiles.
  • On Monday, Sir Keir is set to chair an emergency COBRA meeting with senior ministers and the Bank of England governor to discuss the economic impact of the escalating Iran war.