Business

U.S. Navy to Halt Ships Paying Tehran Tolls

Published

3 weeks ago

12 April 2026

Former president Donald Trump Trump has spent years battling tech giants that he argues have wrongfully censored him

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the U.S. Navy will immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz after marathon peace talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without a deal, escalating tensions in a conflict that has already disrupted nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies for more than six weeks.

In a series of Truth Social posts and a Fox News interview, Trump declared the blockade “effective immediately,” instructing U.S. forces to prevent any ships from entering or leaving the critical waterway and to interdict vessels in international waters that paid tolls to Iran. He accused Tehran of “world extortion” and warned that the U.S. military is “locked and loaded” and prepared to “finish up the little that is left of Iran” at an appropriate moment.

The announcement came hours after Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, confirmed that 21 hours of face-to-face negotiations with Iranian officials produced no agreement and no scheduled follow-up sessions. Pakistani mediators urged both sides to preserve the fragile two-week ceasefire that began April 8, but disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, regional proxies and control of the strait appear to have deadlocked the talks.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman, normally carries about 20% of the world’s seaborne crude oil and significant liquefied natural gas. Iran effectively restricted most commercial traffic after U.S. and Israeli strikes began in late February, laying naval mines and warning of attacks on unauthorized vessels. Ship-tracking data shows traffic at well below 10% of normal levels, with hundreds of tankers stranded inside the Persian Gulf and only a handful of mostly Iran-linked ships transiting daily.

Trump’s blockade threat adds a new layer of complexity to an already paralyzed waterway. U.S. Central Command reported that two Navy guided-missile destroyers recently transited the strait as part of mine-clearing efforts, though Iran claimed the vessels retreated after warnings. Pentagon officials have said Iran may have lost track of some mines laid haphazardly during the fighting, raising safety risks even for limited traffic.

International reaction was swift and largely critical. Analysts described the move as potentially illegal under international law and warned it could trigger a wider regional war or severe economic shock. Oil prices, which eased slightly on initial ceasefire news, climbed again amid fears of prolonged disruption. Asian importers such as China, Japan and South Korea — heavily dependent on Gulf energy — face higher costs and possible shortages.

Iran responded sharply, with officials calling the crisis a “self-made problem” for the United States and asserting that no one can “close a closed strait.” Tehran has maintained that passage is possible only under its military coordination and, in some reports, with payment of transit fees that Trump labeled extortion. Iranian media suggested any U.S. blockade would worsen global disruptions without resolving underlying issues.

The conflict erupted in late February when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile facilities and military infrastructure. Iran retaliated by restricting the strait and launching attacks on regional targets. A fragile ceasefire took hold earlier this month after Trump set a deadline tied to reopening the waterway, but ongoing Israeli actions in Lebanon and disputes over sanctions relief and nuclear dismantlement have strained the pause.

U.S. officials claim the earlier strikes severely degraded Iran’s capabilities, destroying much of its navy, missile production and air defenses. Iran insists it retains the ability to defend its territorial waters and influence shipping through asymmetric means, including fast boats and coastal defenses.

Global shipping companies remain cautious. Major carriers have rerouted vessels or kept them idling, citing skyrocketing war-risk insurance and unresolved mine threats. Environmental groups raised concerns about potential spills or drifting mines affecting fishing grounds and coastal ecosystems in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

In Congress, reactions split along partisan lines. Some Republicans supported strong action to counter Iranian aggression, while Democrats questioned whether the president has sufficient authorization for a blockade without congressional approval. Sen. Mark Warner, ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he would review any supplemental funding request for the conflict but emphasized the need for clear legal grounding.

Maritime experts note that implementing a full blockade would require significant naval resources and coordination with allies, many of whom have urged de-escalation. Former officials, including some who served in previous administrations, called the move risky but potentially necessary to reassert freedom of navigation if Iran continues restricting traffic.

As of Sunday evening, no immediate naval movements confirming the start of a physical blockade were reported beyond existing U.S. presence in the region. Trump indicated in his Fox interview that full implementation would take “a little while,” suggesting a phased approach focused first on intercepting toll-paying vessels.

The collapse of talks in Islamabad leaves the two-week ceasefire on shaky ground, with its expiration approaching on April 22. Neither side outlined next steps, though Pakistani officials expressed hope that back-channel diplomacy could resume.

For global markets and energy security, the stakes are enormous. A prolonged closure or active blockade of the strait could push oil prices well above $100 per barrel and disrupt fertilizer and chemical shipments critical for agriculture. Alternative routes around Africa add time and cost, straining supply chains already under pressure.

The situation also tests alliances. Gulf states, caught between Iran and the U.S., have called for unconditional reopening to stabilize energy markets. European and Asian governments have quietly urged restraint while preparing contingency plans for energy shortfalls.

Trump’s announcement underscores his administration’s hard-line stance: the strait must open fully and safely without Iran profiting or imposing conditions. Iran, meanwhile, views the waterway as sovereign territory where it can enforce security and seek compensation for damages from the conflict.

As night fell in the region, shipping data showed continued minimal activity. Live trackers indicated sparse movements, mostly outbound Iranian vessels, with commercial operators holding position outside the area.

The coming days will test whether Trump’s blockade threat prompts Iran to ease restrictions or leads to further confrontation. U.S. forces in the Gulf remain on high alert, while diplomatic channels through third parties like Pakistan and Oman may offer the only path back from escalation.

For now, the world’s most vital energy artery remains a flashpoint where military posturing, economic pressure and failed negotiations collide, with global consequences hanging in the balance.

Business

Alphabet Inc. 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:GOOGL) 2026-05-03

Published

6 minutes ago

4 May 2026

NewsAdmin

OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Q1: 2026-04-29 Earnings Summary

EPS of $5.11 beats by $2.48

| Revenue of $109.90B (21.79% Y/Y) beats by $2.86B

Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team

Business

US stock futures steady with more earnings, nonfarm payrolls on tap

Published

13 minutes ago

4 May 2026

NewsAdmin

US stock futures steady with more earnings, nonfarm payrolls on tap

Business

Thailand worst-case economic scenarios if Iran war continues

Published

20 minutes ago

4 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Thailand worst-case economic scenarios if Iran war continues

If the Iran war escalates into a prolonged global conflict lasting six to nine months or extends to a full-scale global confrontation involving major powers, Thailand faces the most severe economic outcomes.

Under these worst-case scenarios, GDP growth could plummet to just 0.2% or result in an outright economic contraction, while inflation could surge to 5.8% or higher, creating a high risk of stagflation.

GDP and Inflation: A Descent into Stagflation

Severe Growth Contraction: The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) warns that prolonged conflict could slash 2026 GDP growth to just 0.2%, a dramatic fall from the baseline forecast of 2.1%. TRIS Rating projects a 6-month conflict could reduce growth to 1.0%.
Runaway Inflation: Inflation is expected to surge to 5.8%, well above the Bank of Thailand’s 1-3% target. SCB EIC warns a regional war could push inflation above 4%, driven by soaring energy and food costs. This combination of low growth and high inflation creates a high risk of stagflation, severely eroding household purchasing power.

Energy Shock and Supply Chain Breakdown

Oil Price Spike: Dubai crude has already reached $115/barrel (up 61% since the conflict began). In a worst-case scenario, prices could hit $120–150/barrel if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, a critical chokepoint for 34% of global oil trade.
Critical Input Shortages: Thailand imports 8.3% of its total goods from the Middle East. Key vulnerabilities include:
- Fertilizers: Roughly one-third of Thailand’s fertilizer imports come from the region, threatening agricultural output and food security. Current stockpiles are expected to last until August 2026.
- Aluminum and Petrochemicals: The country sources about 10% of its aluminum and significant amounts of plastic resins and chemicals from the Middle East, impacting manufacturing and construction.

Tourism Collapse and Financial Strain

Massive Tourism Decline: The worst-case scenario projects a 25% drop in tourist arrivals, falling from a 36.7 million target to 27-29 million. Even a base-case scenario sees an 18% decline. Airspace closures in key Middle Eastern hubs are deterring long-haul travelers from Europe and the US.
Revenue and Job Losses: This could result in a revenue loss of 150 billion baht (about $4.1 billion). The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has already downgraded its 2026 revenue forecast to 1.52 trillion baht.
Currency Depreciation and Capital Flight: The Thai baht is expected to weaken to 33-35 per US dollar due to capital outflows and higher import costs, further fueling inflation.
Fiscal Exhaustion: The government’s Oil Fuel Fund, used to cap diesel prices, is under immense strain. Former minister Narongchai Akrasanee warns that fiscal limits mean subsidies cannot be sustained, as the fund previously ran a deficit of over 100 billion baht.

Thailand Economy in Crisis: Iran War Triggers Investor Flight

Thailand’s hard-won economic recovery is unraveling as the Iran war triggers a mass exodus of foreign capital and exposes the nation’s deep vulnerabilities. With global oil prices nearing $100 a barrel, investors are fleeing Thai assets, pulling back on hopes for a revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and highlighting a “policy paralysis” in Bangkok.

Investor Confidence Evaporates

Foreign investors have sharply reversed course, selling off Thai stocks and bonds. In March alone, the country saw an $823 million net selloff in equities and $705 million in bond outflows—the largest combined capital flight since October 2024. This retreat comes just months after $1.7 billion in foreign stock purchases in February, fueled by hopes for political stability.

“The risk remains that markets remain complacent about the long-term impact from this energy shock,” said Daniel Tan, a portfolio manager at Grasshopper Asset Management. “Higher fuel costs could hit consumption and disrupt exports and tourism, two key drivers of the Thai economy.”

A Nation on the Brink

4 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Oil prices fall slightly after Trump says US to aid stranded ships in Hormuz

Business

Popular baby food brand hit by rat poison scare, suspect in custody

Published

1 hour ago

4 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Rat poison found in baby food prompts recall and warning

Bobbie co-founder and CEO Laura Modi joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to explain raising funds while pregnant, building U.S. manufacturing in Ohio and expanding her formula to new stores.

A suspect has been arrested after rat poison was found in baby food jars in parts of Europe, sparking a chilling safety scare.

HiPP, a Germany-based organic baby food maker, said Saturday that a man has been arrested in connection with jars contaminated with rat poison in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

“We are greatly relieved by this development and thank the investigative authorities for their dedicated work,” the company said, while noting more updates will follow.

The suspect, who is 39 years old, is currently being questioned by authorities, The Associated Press reported, citing the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office.

a hipp baby food jar containing tomato-based puree

HiPP, a Germany-based organic baby food maker, said Saturday that a man has been arrested in connection with jars contaminated with rat poison across Central Europe. (Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Five tainted jars were pulled from shelves in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia before anyone consumed them, but authorities believe at least one more contaminated product could still be out there, according to BBC News.

The investigation began April 18, after poisoned baby food was discovered in a jar purchased from a supermarket in Eisenstadt, Austria.

Forensic testing confirmed rat poison had been mixed into the jar, according to the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office.

BABY FORMULA RECALLED AS INFANT BOTULISM OUTBREAK GROWS

The investigation into the contamination began April 18. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images / Getty Images)

HiPP recalled all its baby food jars from SPAR supermarkets in Austria, while retailers in Slovakia and the Czech Republic cleared the brand from shelves, The Associated Press reported.

The case also involves attempted extortion, according to HiPP.

“The blackmailer sent a message to a non‑personalized shared mailbox that is checked at longer but regular intervals as part of our standard operating procedures,” the company said. “As soon as HiPP became aware of the message, the company immediately informed the police authorities responsible.”

CINNAMON POWDER RECALLED ACROSS 14 STATES OVER POTENTIAL ‘ELEVATED LEVELS OF LEAD’